A health plan for England, which is expected to be ratified by parliament this autumn, proposes to abolish the role of statutory governors on all constituent health trusts, according to Jean Flanagan. Ms Flanagan, a former health professional and principal nursing educator, has volunteered as a governor at two hospital trusts in Yorkshire.
Ms Flanagan suggests that removing hundreds of skilled and committed individuals from their supportive scrutiny seems ill-advised. She expressed concern that the proposed replacement by “more dynamic stakeholders” could be a reference to health industry shareholders.
Separately, Jonathan Phillips, Co-chair of Healthwatch Leeds, stated that the government is abolishing Healthwatch. This organisation provides an independent avenue for local people to report problems with health and care services. Mr Phillips noted that the health bill is still under debate.