NHS Overhaul: Thousands of Jobs to Be Cut as UK Government Abolishes NHS England

NHS Overhaul: Thousands of Jobs to Be Cut as UK Government Abolishes NHS England

The UK government has announced plans to abolish NHS England, cutting up to 10,000 jobs in a move aimed at reducing bureaucracy and redirecting funds to frontline healthcare, the Sun reports.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated that the decision would put the NHS “back at the heart of government where it belongs.”

Health Secretary Wes Streeting emphasized that the shake-up will save “hundreds of millions of pounds,” which will be reinvested in doctors, nurses, and patient care.

NHS England, established in 2013, manages a £200 billion annual budget and has been criticized for inefficiency and administrative bloat. Streeting described the current system as “flabby,” pointing out that NHS England’s 15,000-strong workforce and £2 billion administrative budget have contributed to rising costs while patient satisfaction has declined.

The restructuring will see NHS England’s responsibilities absorbed into the Department of Health and Social Care. The government argues that eliminating duplication—such as having separate communications and strategy teams in both NHS England and the health department—will streamline operations and improve efficiency.

Sir James Mackey, the incoming NHS England chief, acknowledged that the changes might be “unsettling” but assured they would ensure more funding reaches frontline services.

The overhaul includes a 50% reduction in NHS headquarters staff, with several senior board members, including Chief Executive Amanda Pritchard and Chief Medical Officer Sir Stephen Powis, stepping down.

Starmer stressed that these reforms are necessary to maximize government efficiency, reduce waste, and restore public confidence in the NHS. He added that the government aims to shift power to frontline workers and away from excessive bureaucracy.

The move comes as pressure mounts to tackle long NHS waiting times and improve patient care. The government believes this restructuring will allow resources to be better allocated, ensuring faster and more effective healthcare delivery.