Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Thursday plans to abolish the body overseeing England's state-funded health system, aiming to save hundreds of millions of pounds, reduce waiting lists, and streamline bureaucracy.
Elected in July with a platform to boost the economy and enhance public services, including the costly National Health Service, Starmer cited challenges highlighted in a recent independent report.
Factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, an aging population, and strikes have led to long wait times for medical procedures, impacting the economy.
Currently, 2.8 million individuals in the UK are economically inactive due to prolonged illness, as reported by the Office for National Statistics.
Starmer emphasized that eliminating NHS England would cut unnecessary red tape, directing more funding towards frontline hospital care.
In a speech in Hull, Starmer stated, "I can't, in all honesty, explain to the British people why they should spend their money on two layers of bureaucracy," underscoring that the change would enhance staffing levels and decrease wait times.
The English health service is governed by the Department of Health and Social Care, distinct from Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Established in 2012, NHS England was intended to manage spending priorities and contracts independently. However, Health Minister Wes Streeting criticized it for fostering redundancy and prioritizing compliance over efficiency.
While acknowledging the challenges of reform, Streeting projected annual savings amounting to hundreds of millions of pounds. He anticipated a reduction in the combined workforce of approximately 19,000 employees between NHS England and the health department.
Addressing concerns about job losses, Streeting emphasized a transition towards a new organizational structure and work culture, rather than mere reshuffling within the current system.