Keir Starmer is abolishing NHS England to bring management of the health service “back into democratic control”. His health secretary said it would ensure the NHS delivers better care and better value for money – but it will mean thousands of people who currently work at NHS England will lose their jobs.
Around £500 million per year could be saved according to Government sources – with money planned to be reallocated to hospitals, GP practices and other health organisations.
Duplication will be avoided as NHS England is absorbed by the Department of Health and Social Care.
Politicians from different parties have consistently said they don’t want another top-down shake up. Labour say this is about central administration and will not be on the same scale as the controversial Conservative reforms in 2013 which sought to transform local as well as national services.
NHS England was set up as part of major changes outlined in the then highly controversial Health and Social Care Act 2012. It saw the introduction of 300 local NHS commissioners across England. In 2022, those 300 commissioners became 40 Integrated Care Boards.
