NHS England set for abolition under Keir Starmer’s reform plan

U.K.  – UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced plans to abolish NHS England, aiming to cut bureaucracy and bring healthcare “back into democratic control.”

This move follows his recent decision to slash 6,500 jobs, nearly half of NHS England’s workforce, to reduce role duplication within the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).

NHS England was established in 2013 under the Conservative government to manage the health service’s budget and operations, but Starmer believes its removal will free up resources for frontline care.

“I don’t see why decisions about £200 billion of taxpayer money on something as fundamental to our security as the NHS should be taken by an arm’s length body,” he said. “That money could and should be spent on nurses, doctors, operations, and GP appointments.”

The announcement came during Starmer’s speech on civil service reform, following the recent resignations of NHS England CEO Amanda Pritchard and Medical Director Sir Stephen Powis. While Labour had promised NHS reforms, completely dismantling NHS England was unexpected.

Earlier this week, Sir James Mackey, the new NHS England CEO, was tasked with leading a “radical reduction and reshaping” of the organization.

However, few anticipated its full abolition. The government now faces critical questions, including how NHS England’s responsibilities will be managed, how many staff will transfer to DHSC, and how many will lose their jobs.

Starmer insists the move will refocus the NHS on patients. “An NHS refocused on cutting waiting times at your hospital,” he said.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting echoed this sentiment, calling it “the final nail in the coffin of the disastrous 2012 reorganisation,” which he blames for longer waiting times, lower patient satisfaction, and rising costs.

The decision is part of broader NHS cost-cutting measures. Integrated Care Boards (ICBs)—which manage local NHS services—have been ordered to halve their running costs by December, while provider trusts must also reduce corporate spending.

With public concern over NHS waiting times and funding, Starmer’s plan signals a major shake-up in how the UK’s healthcare system is governed. However, how these changes will impact patient care remains to be seen.