Yvette Cooper drops plans to abolish NHS patient champion after outcry

Exclusive: Health secretary to extend role of watchdog, which backers say helps hold service in England to account

Yvette Cooper has abandoned plans to abolish the NHS’s independent patient champion after an outcry from MPs across the political spectrum.

The health secretary has decided to keep and extend the role of Healthwatch England, which was due to be axed as part of the government’s reorganisation of the health service in England.

The move is the latest in a series of U-turns by ministers on core elements of the health bill since Andy Burnham became prime minister in July.

The rethink means Healthwatch England and its 150 branches will continue to collect and analyse feedback from patients about their experiences of the NHS and where its services need to improve.