Government Plans to Abolish NHS England: Healthwatch England and Healthwatch Croydon Response

This reform is aimed at empowering NHS staff, put patients first and remove complex bureaucaracy caused by the 2012 reorganisation. NHS England will be bought back into the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) streamlining services and reducing resource costs. 

Reacting to the news, Gordon Kay, Healthwatch Croydon’s Manager, highlighted the potential impact on local healthcare services:

"This news about NHS England being abolished has come as a surprise to many in the health and social care sector. It is likely this decision will impact changes in the way services will be commissioned at national and South West London level. This in turn may affect the way services are commissioned in Croydon. However, it is too early to know what will happen. Croydon residents can be assured that Healthwatch Croydon will be working with all partners at NHS Croydon and South West London in the coming months to ensure patient insight, engagement and involvement is a central part of future decision-making."