HSJ Health Check The making of a Health Bill - How to abolish NHS England
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Dec 12, 2025 Mark Dayan, Head of Public Affairs at the Nuffield Trust, and Sarah Reed, a Senior Fellow also with the Trust, dive into the implications of abolishing NHS England. They explore the potential for a government reset in NHS operations and warn that hefty headcount reductions could risk losing vital skills. The discussion highlights the need for a clear vision during reforms to avoid pitfalls seen in past changes while balancing local decision-making with essential national functions.
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Abolition Bill Is Active But Timing Uncertain
- The abolition bill is active work in progress with officials pushing for NHS England's formal end by April 2027, though timing remains uncertain.
- Much activity is happening behind the scenes, but visible legislative progress is limited until parliamentary timetables allow it.
Joint Executive Team Guides Transition
- DHSC and NHS England now operate under a joint executive team to coordinate transition work and recruitment.
- Structural changes below director-general level have been minimal so far but likely to accelerate in 2026.
Limit The Bill’s Scope
- Keep the legislation narrow and resist turning the bill into a catch-all for reform ideas.
- Use non-legislative routes for wider ambitions to avoid prolonging uncertainty and distraction.