Keir Starmer’s government announces the abolition of NHS England to "cut bureaucracy" and return the health service to "democratic control.
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NHS England, managing the health service since 2013, will merge with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). Health Secretary Wes Streeting calls it “abolishing the world’s biggest quango.”
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Starmer argues merging NHS England and DHSC will save taxpayer money for frontline services: “£200bn decisions shouldn’t be made by an arm’s-length body.
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NHS England and DHSC had overlapping teams (e.g., GP services, mental health). Starmer: “Two comms teams? Two strategy teams? It’s wasteful.
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Oversaw 1.5 million staff, £200bn budget, and key targets like A&E wait times. Critics say it became bloated.
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Up to half of NHS England’s central staff face redundancy. Regional teams also hit: 42 integrated care boards to lose 50% of roles.
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CEO Amanda Pritchard departs, along with medical director Prof Steve Powis. Sir Jim Mackey and Dr Penny Dash take over.
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Streeting denied merger plans in January. The sudden abolition shocks health leaders and staff.
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Unions warn of disruption, while ministers promise streamlined care. Will savings reach frontline services?
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The merger aims to simplify decision-making, but critics question if centralising power undermines local needs.
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