Massive changes to NHS England
Major Shake-Up: NHS England to Be Abolished in Landmark Reform
Author: Acorn Continuing Healthcare News Team
In a groundbreaking announcement that marks one of the most significant changes to the healthcare system in decades, the Government confirmed on 13 March 2025 that NHS England will be abolished, triggering a comprehensive reorganisation of how healthcare is commissioned and delivered across the country.
The move, described by ministers as a “reset moment” for the NHS, is expected to see the powers and responsibilities of NHS England redistributed to new or existing regional bodies and departments.
The full implications of this decision are still emerging, but early indications suggest a major shift in the way services are planned, funded, and accessed, particularly for complex and long-term care such as continuing healthcare (CHC).
At Acorn Continuing Healthcare, we are watching developments closely and are committed to supporting individuals and families through what may be a period of significant change. As a national provider of NHS continuing healthcare support and advocacy, we understand how unsettling news like this can be for those already in the midst’s of such a complex healthcare funding system.
For many of our clients, access to continuing healthcare is already a challenge. The abolition of NHS England raises serious questions about consistency, transparency, and accountability in CHC assessments and funding in what already seems to confuse families and NHS assessment teams already. We are here to ensure no one falls through the cracks during this transition.
What Does This Mean for Continuing Healthcare?
While full details are yet to be finalised, experts expect that some of NHS England’s responsibilities will be absorbed by Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) or newly created regional health authorities. There is concern among some patient groups and healthcare advocates that fragmentation could lead to further disparities in CHC eligibility decisions and service provision across the country.
Acorn will continue to work closely with partners, clients, and legal experts to track the evolution of policy and ensure we provide the most up-to-date guidance and representation.
Our Commitment
We believe that every individual has the right to fair, thorough, and timely assessment for NHS continuing healthcare, regardless of how the system is structured. As changes unfold, our team remains committed to:
- Advocating for consistent, patient-centred CHC assessments
- Holding decision-makers to account where care needs are overlooked
- Providing expert support to families throughout their CHC journey
We encourage anyone with concerns or questions about how this announcement might affect them or a loved one to get in touch with our team. Now, more than ever, independent expertise and advocacy are essential.