In response to the announcement to abolish NHS England, Ed Hughes, CEO of the Council of Deans of Health has issued the following statement:
“The Council of Deans of Health works very closely with many colleagues across NHS England and we are very mindful of the impact this news will have on committed individuals who now face a period of personal uncertainty as this process unfolds.
At an organisational level, the principle behind the abolition of NHS England is understandable and we can see there are opportunities ahead for a more joined-up approach to health and social care policy.
In the more immediate term, the process of bringing the work of NHS England into DHSC itself could direct focus away from delivering important priorities such as the education and training needs in nursing, midwifery and allied health professions, and identifying local and regional workforce priorities, which NHS England colleagues work with our member universities and colleges to address.
Over the coming months it will be important that the process of restructuring does not divert attention from these critical issues and we can continue to benefit from the skills and expertise of the NHS England staff dedicated to working with our members to provide a highly qualified professional workforce for the NHS.”
We will be working with our partners in NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care to push for more clarity, ensuring members’ priorities continue to be heard and the relevant workstreams are carried over in the transition process.