The government is making major changes to the structure of the NHS. NHS England is being abolished, with its functions merged into the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). At the same time, the number of Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) is set to be reduced, with many expected to merge. Changes proposed by the 10 Year Health Plan, including contracts for single and multi-neighbourhood providers, will also create changes in local delivery structures.

How can the government ensure that the new national structure works effectively? Should any current NHSE functions remain independent of DHSC? How should the reformed DHSC work regionally, and with ICBs, strategic authorities and trusts? How can the government make a success of the emerging ICB structure? How should local delivery structures be reformed?

To discuss these questions and more, we were joined by an expert panel including:

Dr Penelope Dash, Chair of NHS England

Dame Patricia Hewitt, former Secretary of State for Health and author of the Hewitt Review of ICSs

Samantha Jones, Permanent Secretary at the Department of Health and Social Care

Johan Kahlström, President and Managing Director, UK and Ireland at Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK

This event was chaired by Nick Davies, Programme Director at the Institute for Government.

We would like to thank Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK for kindly supporting this event.