The changes will not impact anyone's access to the NHS - but Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said it would bring management of the health service in England "back into democratic

In a major speech, the Prime Minister said the move would bring the NHS "back into democratic control" in a huge reorganisation. It will now be brought under the DHSC.

The UK government has announced the abolition of NHS England, phased over two years. In practice, this will involve merging some functions and staff from NHS England into the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC). As part of the change, the government has stated that it expects to reduce duplication and save hundreds of millions of pounds.

Referred to as “cause for national shame” by the Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, maternity services in the UK have been the focus of repeated national scandals, with shocking reports of gross negligence and avoidable deaths in units across the UK.

The outgoing chair of NHS England has warned that a recent exodus of senior leaders poses “a real risk” to the service as the government tightens its grip on the cherished public health system.

Health Minister Karin Smyth said NHS England staff were set up for failure, working in duplicative systems. The former NHS manager aims to improve GP services, acknowledging the need for structural reforms to support frontline healthcare staff.