Reflecting on the abolition of NHS England, and integrated care board cost cuts

We proactively worked with members to collate their concerns surrounding the abolition and cost reductions. We outlined opportunities and risks which could arise from the restructure, sharing these with the Committee and advocating for the voluntary sector. Recognising the extent of concerns voiced by our members, we developed a new paper on the issue: Covering the fall-out: National Voices’ members’ concerns surrounding the decision to abolish NHS England and cut ICB running costs by 50%.

This paper covers the evidence given to the Committee, as well as providing further evidence and concerns that could not be shared with the committee within the allotted time. It also outlines initial concerns around a letter from NHS England’s new CEO Sir Jim Mackey to Trusts and Integrated Care Boards, issued after the Committee  sat, and recognises that the asks to ICBs risks losing patient engagement and voice which are vital to ensure the Government can achieve its 10 Year Health Plan three shifts.

Our Director of Policy and External Affairs, Sharon Brennan, also contributed a piece to HSJ, outlining these concerns further. In the piece, Sharon highlights that:

To ensure a safer, more equitable and responsive NHS, we need to shift the culture back to the 2000s when patient voice was better listened to and acted upon. There is a strengthening consensus across the health and care sector that we must rethink how we measure patient experience to make it a key success measure for the decade ahead.

We aim to continue this work as we gain a clearer picture of what the restructure might mean for our members, particularly regarding the impact on health inequalities and patient engagement mechanisms. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch as the reform unfolds, via info@nationalvoices.org.uk.