HSJ Health Check The making of a Health Bill - part 1
Apr 30, 2025
Bill Morgan, a seasoned political advisor with experience in 10 Downing Street, teams up with Sharon Brennan, Director of Policy at National Voices, to explore the groundbreaking changes in the NHS. They dive into the proposed abolition of NHS England and its implications for governance. The conversation touches on the challenges of restructuring and prioritizing patient engagement amidst political maneuvering. They also assess the complexities of passing new health legislation and the urgent need to balance cost savings with quality care.
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Government's Sudden NHS Shift
- The government shifted rapidly to abolish NHS England, moving from no reorganization to major legislative changes.
- This marked a significant policy pivot with major unanswered questions about implementation.
Complexity of Abolishing NHS England
- Abolishing NHS England requires redistributing its vast functions, potentially recreating regional authorities.
- The scale and complexity mean this is more than a structural change but a major policy overhaul.
Underestimating Legislative Complexity
- Wes Streeting may underestimate the complexity and costs of absorbing NHS England's functions into the Department of Health.
- Significant legislative challenges and transitions are involved, likely making this a large, complex bill.