The future of Healthwatch Milton Keynes has come under the spotlight following a unanimous vote at Milton Keynes City Council on a motion aimed at improving awareness and early diagnosis of bowel cancer among younger people.
The motion, tabled by Liberal Democrat councillor Kerrie Bradburn focused on the importance of recognising bowel cancer symptoms and encouraging early diagnosis, also highlighted the valuable role Healthwatch plays in giving residents an independent voice on local health and care services. Importantly, it acknowledged the Labour Government's plans to abolish local Healthwatch organisations, warning that this could weaken local scrutiny and make it harder for residents' concerns and experiences to influence health priorities.
Conservative Councillor Johnny Luk, who represents Danesborough, spoke in support of the motion and welcomed the recognition of Healthwatch's importance.
Councillor Luk said: “Labour councillors have joined with all other parties in sending a clear message that the Labour Government needs to reconsider its approach to Healthwatch and fair play to them. It takes courage for local Labour councillors to challenge their own Government's decision to abolish Healthwatch. Healthwatch provides an important independent voice for residents, especially at a time of major reforms to the NHS and a growing population in Milton Keynes. We need to make sure that residents’ experiences and concerns are heard, not lose an important channel through which they can hold health and care services to account. We must also do more to ensure that bowel cancer is recognised early, including among younger people who may not realise that their symptoms need investigating. Early diagnosis can make a real difference, and raising awareness is an important part of that effort. I commend the work of Bowel Cancer UK and other charities campaigning to improve awareness and outcomes."
The motion recognises the importance of Healthwatch Milton Keynes in ensuring that residents have an independent channel to raise concerns about local health and care services. It warns that abolishing the service could weaken local scrutiny and make it harder for residents’ experiences to influence health priorities. The Council also resolved to contribute to bowel cancer awareness efforts and promote the importance of a healthy diet.
Councillor Luk said he hopes that the Government will reconsider its plans for Healthwatch, which is currently being debated in parliament.
