Wes Streeting plans NHS England abolition, cutting 10,000 jobs

The UK government has announced the abolition of NHS England, a move framed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer as a return to democratic control of the health service. Health Secretary Wes Streeting aims to streamline operations by cutting 10,000 jobs and folding NHS England into the Department of Health, arguing this will free up resources for frontline care. Critics, including trade unions and opposition politicians, have expressed concerns over job losses and the lack of clarity on how the changes will benefit patients. While some former Conservative officials have praised the boldness of the reforms, doubts remain about the effectiveness of the plan in addressing systemic issues like long wait times and patient satisfaction. The restructuring is seen as a necessary step to eliminate bureaucratic duplication and empower local health authorities, but experts warn it must not distract from immediate care challenges. The future of health and social care in the UK hinges on whether these reforms will lead to meaningful improvements or merely replicate past mistakes.