Political reporter Becky Morton has reported that Sir Keir Starmer has made a significant announcement regarding the abolishment of NHS England. The decision to bring NHS England under “democratic control” aims to reduce bureaucracy and duplication within the organization. The plan involves integrating NHS England into the Department of Health, with the hope of reallocating funds to improve frontline services. As per the government’s estimates, approximately 50% of the positions at NHS England, which currently employs 14,400 individuals, and the Department of Health, with a staff of 3,500, are expected to be cut.
During a speech in Hull, Sir Keir emphasized the need to eliminate the reliance on numerous quangos that have shielded politicians from direct government control. The government’s immediate actions will involve transferring several of NHS England’s functions back to the Department of Health and Social Care, with a two-year timeline for completion. This move grants the government enhanced oversight and responsibility to fulfill its promise of reducing NHS waiting times. NHS England, described by the government as “the world’s largest quango,” plays a crucial role in managing the health service’s funding, priorities, and performance evaluation of local NHS services.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting hailed the reforms as a means to free frontline workers from conflicting directives and enhance efficiency. The reallocated funds are expected to enable improved care delivery and favorable outcomes for patients. While Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch supported the decision to centralize health service management, concerns were raised over Labour’s handling of the NHS in Wales. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey backed the restructuring plans but emphasized the pressing need to address crucial healthcare issues such as GP shortages, lack of NHS dentists, and ineffective social care systems
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