The Department of Health (DH) is to undergo a radical shake up as it moves to slash bureaucracy in the NHS and deliver savings of more than £180 million by 2014/15.
Under the plans, the number of health arm’s length bodies will fall from 18 to between eight and 10.
It follows a review published by health secretary Andrew Lansley, which assessed whether or not the work of each of the bodies remained essential.
Subject to parliamentary approval, organisations which are no longer needed will be removed from the sector, with essential work moved to other bodies.
The move is designed to address overlap between organisations as well as duplication.
Lansley said: “I know that the uncertainty created by this review has been difficult for staff. The constructive support of the chairs and chief executives of all the organisations has been invaluable throughout this process. We will be supporting them to carry on their essential work during and beyond the period of transition.”
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The DH will work with each organisation affected by the changes over the next few months to help them through the transition process.
In May, the DH announced it has appointed three leading occupational health (OH) professionals to act as health and wellbeing “champions” for the NHS in England.
