techUK response to the announcement of the abolition of NHS England
Yesterday, the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care formally set out plans to abolish NHS England.
This announcement brings the day-to-day functions of the National Health Service back under the control of the Department of Health & Social Care and reverses reforms made in 2012 by the Coalition Government.
This will mean that the Secretary of State is responsible for, and accountable for, the delivery of NHS strategy, health policy, ensure value for money and allow patients to access services faster. It is intended this change will reduce duplication and streamline functions.
The Government intends to bring NHSE into DHSC within 2 years. This reform is intended to ensure that there will no longer be two organisations fulfilling the same purpose.
It is unclear what legislative procedures will need to take place to implement this change. However, in his statement to Parliament, the Secretary of State outlined that there would be minimal primary legislation needed to deliver these plans.
This will not impact healthcare in the devolved nations.
