Government Announces Abolition of NHS England

A significant announcement was made on the 13th March 2025 by Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting and Prime Minister Keir Starmer, to abolish NHS England. This is likely to have major implications at a national and local level for our work and we know you will have questions.

A briefing paper by Healthwatch England (HWE) has been released to present the key facts and views as shared by the government, Healthwatch Leicester and Healthwatch Leicestershire emphasise the importance of continuity of care for local communities.

We expect many more details to emerge in coming weeks and the policy team will aim to give you a weekly summary of all developments. Our leadership, committee and other teams across Healthwatch England will be considering the implications for the whole network.

Healthwatch England Statement

Why is the government abolishing NHSE?

Wes Streeting told Parliament it was time to tackle “bloated and inefficient bureaucracy” which had left NHS staff “drowning in micro-management”. Abolishing NHSE would free up “hundreds of millions of pounds of savings” for front-line patient care and amount to the “greatest decentralisation” seen by the NHS in its history.

He pointed to the fact that spending on DHSC and NHSE staff had doubled since 2010 but back then waiting lists were at their lowest and patient satisfaction was at its highest.

When and how will NHSE be shut down?

The process will be complete within two years, Streeting said. Recently appointed interim NHSE chief executive Jim Mackay and incoming chair Dr Penny Dash will oversee this transition.

During this time NHSE will have a reduced remit as various functions are absorbed into DHSC.

How many jobs will be lost?

The Secretary of State said he wanted 50% cuts across the NHSE workforce of 15,300 and 3,300 DHSC staff. This would amount to 9,300 jobs going.

Will new legislation be required?

Yes. Streeting is now discussing the timetable for bringing this forward, but he also said immediate work would begin on some changes that don’t depend on primary legislation.

Has the government commented on the future of HWE?

Not specifically. He reiterated in the Commons his support for the need to reform the CQC and also referenced the upcoming Dash review on patient quality and safety as a way to aid and speed up those changes.

What is the government’s view on ICB cuts?

Streeting urged MPs to back ICB leaders who would be making tough local decisions as a result of the government’s decision. Layla Moran, chair of the parliamentary Health and Social Care Committee, told the health secretary that ICB cuts must not undermine place-based initiatives that would be needed to underpin the government’s aims for neighbourhood health services.

What have we said publicly about the announcement?

Our chief executive Louise Ansari said:

“People want changes that mean better access to and experience of care for everyone, in particular those facing health inequalities, including disabled people, carers, and those on low incomes.

“During the period of change for NHS England, it’s important that everything possible is done to ensure that patients’ care is not disrupted and that the progress the NHS has been making in some areas as is not reversed. Going forward, any changes in structures need to have improvements in patient access to and experience of care at their heart.”

Healthwatch Leicester & Healthwatch Leicestershire

Healthwatch Leicester and Healthwatch Leicestershire (HWLL) emphasise the importance of continuity of care for local communities with as little disruption as possible, making sure our communities are fully informed of any changes.