The Patient Association responds to Dr Penny Dash's review into patient safety

Published 8th July 2025 

Commenting on the publication of the Dash review into patient safety, Rachel Power, Chief Executive of the Patients Association said: 

"The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care's recent comments in newspapers about streamlining health oversight bodies and the publication of Dr Penny Dash's review recommendations, highlights a shared goal to put patient experience at the heart of the NHS and reduce confusion in the system.  However, we have serious concerns about how these reforms will affect many patients.  

“While we understand and agree with the need to reduce the ‘overwhelming number of recommendations’ identified in the Dash review, streamlining shouldn’t come at the cost of independent oversight that patients desperately need. 

“We welcome the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care's vision of giving power to patients but many face a different reality, whereby their trust in the system has eroded and they face barriers in being able to speak up. The culture of healthcare can be intimidating - many patients contacting our helpline are vulnerable, confused by complex systems, or afraid to speak up directly. They consistently tell us how crucial it is to have someone at arm's length they can turn to when things go wrong. The Secretary of State mentions using technology and AI to make checks more rigorous and efficient. While we support innovation, technology cannot replace the human need for independent advocacy when patients feel intimidated or confused by complex systems. 

“The Dash review's recommendation to bring together the work of Local Healthwatch, and the engagement functions of integrated care boards (ICBs) and providers and move the strategic functions of Healthwatch England into the Department of Health and Social Care will leave many patients without arm's length advocacy. When patients need to give feedback about their local NHS services, many won't trust advocates who report to the same NHS structures. As these reforms move forward, the Department will need to work closely with patients to build trust in the new system and ensure it genuinely serves their needs. 

“We've heard through our patient engagement work about some complaints services where many patients lose confidence when that service sits within the very organisation it's meant to scrutinise. Many patients who have safety or quality concerns, or who are seeking justice after harm, need support beyond internal processes that may prioritise protecting institutions over protecting patients. 

“Those who already struggle to be heard will find it even harder to get justice when arm's length oversight disappears. 

“We look forward to working with the government and the voluntary sector to ensure these reforms protect the patient voice that many patients desperately need." 

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