Particle.news
Download on the App Store

MPs Warn NHS Overhaul Risks HS2-Style Failures and Jeopardises 2029 Waiting-Time Pledge

The Public Accounts Committee says the overhaul lacks funding or delivery plans, putting patients at risk.

Overview

  • MPs say programmes to cut elective waits have missed key recovery milestones despite multi‑billion investment in diagnostic centres and surgical hubs.
  • The report outlines plans to fold NHS England into the Department of Health and Social Care with headcount cut by about 50%, removing roughly 18,000 administrative roles.
  • The committee warns that slimming down Integrated Care Boards could limit local planning capacity and harm patients and staff.
  • It is reported that no additional Treasury funding has been provided for redundancies, with the NHS permitted to overspend this year to meet the costs.
  • The Department of Health and Social Care counters that waiting lists are now falling, citing a reduction of more than 230,000 in backlogs and over five million extra appointments.