NHS England abolished - brought under democratic control

NHS England abolished – brought under democratic control

National Health Service England is to go, abolished and brought under democratic control. This in an attempt to cut bureaucracy and duplication, Sir Keir Starmer announced.

The organisation which oversees the country’s health service, to be brought into the Department of Health. The PM said the move frees up money for frontline services.

Government said it expected around 50% of the jobs at NHS England to go. As of December it had 14,400 staff, and the Department of Health, up to 3,500 staff.

In a speech in Hull, Sir Keir said for too long politicians had “chosen to hide behind vast arrays of quangos”. Organisations funded by taxpayers but not directly controlled by the government.

The government said work would begin immediately. This to return many of NHS England’s current functions to the Department of Health and Social Care. The aim to complete the process in two years.

NHS England oversees the health service, working with government to agree funding and priorities. Also monitor the performance of local NHS services.