London, UK: NHS England is set to undergo its most significant restructuring in over a decade, with its workforce shrinking from 13,000 to around 6,500.
The sweeping job cuts, far exceeding the 2,000 positions previously announced, aim to eliminate duplication with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and streamline operations. The DHSC will also downsize, albeit to a lesser extent.
Outgoing NHS England Chief Executive Amanda Pritchard informed staff of the changes, which were instigated by Health Secretary Wes Streeting.
The overhaul will be led by her successor, Jim Mackey, and incoming chair Dr. Penny Dash, who have been tasked with radically reforming the size and functions of NHS England and its relationship with the DHSC.
A transition team will oversee the restructuring, reporting to Dash and Alan Milburn, the former Labour health secretary now serving as the DHSC’s lead non-executive director.
Pritchard acknowledged that the downsizing would cause “uncertainty and worry” for staff, many of whom were left “baffled, unnerved, and fearful” by the extent of the changes.
Adding to the disruption, several senior leaders will also depart, including Deputy Chief Executive and Finance Chief Julian Kelly, Chief Operating Officer Emily Lawson, and Chief Delivery Officer Steve Russell. National Medical Director Prof. Sir Stephen Powis previously announced his resignation last week.
The restructuring strengthens ministerial oversight of NHS England, reversing aspects of the 2012 reforms introduced by former health secretary Andrew Lansley, which had granted the organization a degree of independence.
Streeting has long advocated for increased government control over NHS England, and the changes will significantly enhance his influence over its operations starting in April.
Business and Industry Award: Read about the ‘Star of Sector’ award here.
