Understanding the announcement about the changes to NHS structure

Healthwatch Somerset
Mar 14
2 min read

On March 13 2025 Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that NHS England will be abolished and the management of the NHS brought back to ministers. If you are concerned about what this means for NHS services, we have put together some information to help you understand the change.

Two nurses in a hospital corridor chatting. One smiles, wearing a navy uniform. A sign reads "UNPLUG CRASH TROLLEY BEFORE MOVING."

What is NHS England?

NHS England leads the National Health Service (NHS) in England and has a wide range of statutory functions, responsibilities and regulatory powers. NHS England was established in 2013 with the aim of establishing greater independence and autonomy for the NHS.

What do the changes mean for the NHS?

The NHS is not going anywhere.

Healthwatch England have explained that the announcement relates to the structure of the NHS; the change means that the “functions [of NHS England] will be taken into the Department of Health and Social Care, with the merger lasting about two years”.

The Prime Minister and Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, have shared in the news that the motivation behind the change is to bring decisions about the NHS back into government control and empower NHS staff to deliver better care for patients.

What does this mean for Healthwatch Somerset?

Healthwatch Somerset is your local health and social care champion. We make sure NHS leaders and other decision makers hear your voice and use your feedback to improve health and social care.

We’re here to listen to the issues that really matter to local communities and to hear about your experiences of using health and social care services.

We’re completely independent and impartial and anything you say is confidential. We also offer information and advice to help you to get the support you need. Our service is free, simple to use and can make a real difference to people in Somerset.

The dissolution of NHS England does not change the role we play in ensuring that services put people at the heart of the care they receive. We will continue to champion local people to ensure their voices are heard.

Statement from Healthwatch England Chief Executive, Louise Ansari:

"We know people want better access to and experience of care for everyone, in particular those facing health inequalities, including disabled people, carers, and those on low incomes.

"During the forthcoming period of change for NHS England, it's important that everything possible is done to ensure that patients’ care is not disrupted and that the progress the NHS has been making in some areas is not reversed. Going forward, any changes in structures need to have improvements in patient access to and experience of care at their heart.”