Published on Apr 03, 2025
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced plans to abolish NHS England (NHSE), a move aimed at reducing bureaucracy and improving government oversight of the NHS. Established in 2013 as an independent body, NHSE’s responsibilities will now return to the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC). While the government argues this will streamline functions and cut waiting times, critics question its effectiveness and warn of job losses, with around 9,000 positions affected.
A quasi-autonomous non-governmental organisation (quango) is a publicly funded body that operates independently of direct government control. NHSE was set up as a quango to manage NHS operations at arm’s length from politicians, aiming to provide greater autonomy in decision-making. However, the government now argues that NHSE has become redundant, duplicating DHSC’s work and limiting ministerial control over NHS performance.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting assures affected employees will be treated with “care and respect” but acknowledges the transition will be challenging.
This policy shift represents a major change in UK healthcare governance. While the government promises greater efficiency, industry leaders stress the need for clear plans to avoid disruption and ensure genuine improvements in patient care.
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Published on Apr 03, 2025 by Ella Thomas