NHS England is targeting October 2026 for integration into the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC).
On 13th March 2025, the UK government made the announcement that NHS England was being dissolved. This move is aimed at bringing the NHS directly under central government control, eliminating duplicated roles, and redirecting resources to frontline services for improved patient care.
Speaking at the Design in Mental Health conference in Manchester, Dr Adrian James, Medical Director for Mental Health and Neurodiversity at NHS England, told delegates that October this was the target date.
Dr James was speaking in a “fireside chat” presentation with mental health advocate, Ambassador and Peer Consultant, Marsha McAdam, when he made the statement.
However, there are already some delayed milestones. The HSJ reported that, though it was hoped an initial concept for the merger would be given internally by April, this has been pushed back.
What does Streeting say?
Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, who used to be against the abolishment of NHS England, has changed his mind, saying that he did not realise the extent of the duplication of roles between NHSE and DHSC.
Speaking in parliament in May, Streeting provided an update on the status of the merger.
Streeting said: “Since the announcement, we have set up a joint board, assessed resources and responsibilities across existing organisations, developed proposals about the role, functions and structure of the new centre, and started detailed operational and legislative planning.”