In a radical move, the government plans to abolish NHS England and bring it under the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). The decision aims to save money, cut red tape, and increase ministerial control over the health service. With over 14,000 staff, NHS England is significantly larger than the DHSC, mainly due to recent absorptions of Health Education England and NHS Digital. NHS England oversees frontline services like GPs and specialist hospital care, as well as manages the distribution of funds from ministers.
The restructuring is expected to result in around 9,000 job losses between the two organizations, saving at least £500 million annually. Despite these savings, which represent a mere fraction of the health budget, the respected King’s Fund think-tank considers it minimal and unlikely to impact frontline services significantly. The move is also aimed at reducing bureaucracy within the system, as highlighted by increased paperwork requirements that hinder efficiency.
Former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt criticized NHS England as a bureaucratic obstacle that stifles innovation. The plan also emphasizes the need for government control over the day-to-day operation of the health service. However, the decision poses a significant risk as it challenges the autonomy established under the 2012 reforms introduced by former Tory health secretary Andrew Lansley. The public is concerned about the impact of the restructuring on care quality and waiting times, as the government aims to improve services under its new management structure
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