Local Healthwatch organisations are urging the government to reconsider plans that could see their independent services abolished.
Under current NHS proposals, Healthwatch England and 152 local branches including Barnsley could be replaced, with their work transferred to councils and Integrated Care Boards.
Campaigners say this would remove the only statutory and independent way for the public to hold health and social care to account.
A petition has now been launched calling on ministers to protect Healthwatch’s independence.
The petition can be seen at Review decision to abolish independent local Healthwatch – Petitions
