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** 14 March 2025
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** UK
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** NHS England to be abolished in major government restructure (#1)
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** MOD funds smoking cessation training for Armed Forces (#2)
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** Ex-athlete overcomes smoking after cancer diagnosis (#3)
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** Links of the Week
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** Tobacco and Vapes Bill: Report Stage and Third Reading (#4)
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** NHS England: Health and Social Care Secretary's statement (#5)
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** King’s Fund: The reshaping of NHS national bodies has only just started. How will it finish? (#6)
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** UK
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** NHS England to be abolished in major government restructure
The government has announced that NHS England will be dissolved and merged into the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) in what is being described as the most significant NHS reform in over a decade. The decision follows concerns over duplication of roles between NHS England and the DHSC, with ministers arguing that a streamlined structure will improve efficiency and align healthcare with government priorities.
The move marks a shift in approach from Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who was initially reluctant to pursue major structural changes but has since deemed the overhaul necessary. While some see the changes as an attempt to decentralise the NHS, others believe they will concentrate more power in the hands of ministers.
The transition will involve substantial job cuts across both NHS England and the DHSC, creating uncertainty among staff. Integrated Care Boards, which manage local NHS budgets, are also set to face reductions, with speculation that regional authorities may take on a greater role in healthcare leadership. However, experts warn that the government’s two-year timeframe for implementing these reforms may be overly ambitious, especially if new legislation is required.
Source: PoliticsHome, 13 March 2025
See also: The Financial Times – What next for the NHS after Wes Streeting’s shake-up? ([link removed])
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** MOD funds smoking cessation training for Armed Forces
The Ministry of Defence has awarded a £323,624 contract to the National Centre for Smoking Cessation and Training (NCSCT) to provide smoking cessation training and policy advice for military personnel. Starting in April 2025, the five-year initiative will offer tailored support for healthcare staff, including in-person and online training. Selected through a competitive process, NCSCT was chosen for its expertise and cost-effectiveness. The programme aligns with defence health policies to improve military wellbeing and readiness.
Source: UK Defence Journal, 13 March 2025
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** Ex-athlete overcomes smoking after cancer diagnosis
Shaun Webb, a 61-year-old former jujitsu athlete, successfully quit smoking after being diagnosed with lung cancer, thanks to the support of the Cure smoking cessation programme at Leighton Hospital in Crewe. Webb, who had smoked since childhood, experienced severe breathing problems despite his active lifestyle. After surgery in 2024, he joined the programme, where he used patches and vapes to quit. Jo Harding, a specialist nurse involved in the programme, praised Webb’s progress, emphasising the life-changing benefits of quitting smoking. Webb credits the programme with improving his health, especially his sleep, and allowing him to attend his daughter’s wedding
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Source: BBC News, 12 March 2025
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** Links of the Week
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** Tobacco and Vapes Bill: Report Stage and Third Reading
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill will progress to its Report Stage and Third Reading in the House of Commons on 26th March. These are the final stages in the Commons before the bill is passed on to the House of Lords. This landmark legislation brings the UK closer to its goal of reducing smoking harm, paving the way for a healthier, smokefree future.
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** NHS England: Health and Social Care Secretary's statement
In this oral statement to Parliament the Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, outlines plans to abolish NHS England as part of comprehensive reform to address inefficiencies within the healthcare system. The reforms are intended to save hundreds of millions of pounds, which will be redirected to frontline services to improve patient outcomes, including cutting waiting times. In his statement, Streeting emphasises the need to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy, streamline operations, and ultimately enhance patient care.
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** King’s Fund: The reshaping of NHS national bodies has only just started. How will it finish?
The King's Fund has published a 12-minute read by Siva Anandaciva, Director of Policy, outlining the proposed reshaping of the NHS. The blog post delves into the history of the NHS, providing context for the government's decision to restructure it. It explores the reasons behind the decision, what the restructuring means for current NHS staff, and how these reforms align with the government's broader plan to improve the NHS. The article offers insights into the challenges and opportunities presented by these significant changes.
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