A CHANGE of heart by the government has been welcomed in Thurrock where the borough's Healthwatch team has been given renewed life.

In June last year Sir Keir Starmer's Labour government, as part of measures to reduce duplication and cut costs, announced a plan to close the watchdog body Healthwatch England.

That spelled the end of Thurrock Healthwatch, which has proved a formidable mouthpiece over recent years in protecting the borough's health interests and holding health trusts to account.

However, with a change of leadership, Labour's policy on healthcare appears to have changed and this week Health Secretary Yvette Cooper announced a reprieve for Healthwatch, saying: "Patients need a voice in our NHS.

"I've always been clear on the importance of people and communities having a say in local services and that's why I said I would review all the reforms in this area.

"We will retain both Healthwatch England and Local Healthwatch, while strengthening them to ensure patient voices are heard and can influence real change across health and care services."

The news has been welcomed in the borough, with Kim James, chief operating officer at Healthwatch Thurrock, saying: "We are delighted to share that an announcement has been made and the decision to abolish Healthwatch has been abandoned.

"That means that the team here at Healthwatch Thurrock will be here for the residents.

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"We are here to listen to your lived experience. We are here to give you information, advice and guidance if you find yourself with questions around accessing services or next steps if you are unhappy with services. We are here to amplify your voice and ensure you're heard by the right people.

"We look forward to hearing from you. Your voice matters."