County's patient feedback service to split in 2025

A county's service which provides patient feedback on local health and social care will be split into two in the new year.

Healthwatch Northamptonshire monitors the public's opinions on local services and speaks to the NHS and health bosses on behalf of patients.

From April next year, both Northamptonshire's two councils will have their own Healthwatch body.

"The new Healthwatch service will play a crucial role in ensuring our community's needs are heard and addressed," said Matt Golby, the Conservative deputy leader at West Northamptonshire Council.

West Northamptonshire Council and North Northamptonshire Council have a joint contract with Northamptonshire Healthwatch, which expires on 31 March.

West Northants said it would provide a £137,000 per year grant to help fund its new Healthwatch body.

The Health and Social Care Act 2012 requires local authorities to establish and maintain a local Healthwatch service to understand the concerns of local people.

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