14 Mar 2025
by Robert Walker

techUK response to the announcement of the abolition of NHS England

Yesterday, the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care formally set out plans to abolish NHS England.  

This announcement brings the day-to-day functions of the National Health Service back under the control of the Department of Health & Social Care and reverses reforms made in 2012 by the Coalition Government.  

This will mean that the Secretary of State is responsible for, and accountable for, the delivery of NHS strategy, health policy, ensure value for money and allow patients to access services faster. It is intended this change will reduce duplication and streamline functions.  

The Government intends to bring NHSE into DHSC within 2 years. This reform is intended to ensure that there will no longer be two organisations fulfilling the same purpose.           

It is unclear what legislative procedures will need to take place to implement this change. However, in his statement to Parliament, the Secretary of State outlined that there would be minimal primary legislation needed to deliver these plans.  

This will not impact healthcare in the devolved nations. 

What does this mean for techUK and our members? 

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Robert Walker

Robert Walker

Head of Health & Social Care, techUK

Robert joined techUK in October 2022, where he is now Programme Manager for Health and Social Care.

Robert previously worked at the Pension Protection Fund, within the policy and public affairs team. Prior to this, he worked at the Scottish Parliament, advising politicians and industry stakeholders on a wide range of issues, including rural crime and health policies.

Robert has a degree in Politics and International Relations (MA Hons) from the University of Aberdeen, with a particular focus on strategic studies and energy security. Outside of work he enjoys activities such as running, rugby, boxing and cooking!

Email:
[email protected]

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Viola Pastorino

Viola Pastorino

Junior Programme Manager, Health and Care Team, techUK

Viola Pastorino is a policy, governance, and strategic communication specialist.

She joined techUK as the Junior Programme Manager in the Health and Care Team in April 2024. 

She has obtained a Bachelor of Sciences in Governance, Economics, and Development from Leiden University, and a Master's programme in Strategic Communications at King's College London.  Her academic background, leading up to a dissertation on AI policy influence and hands-on campaign development, is complemented by practical experience in international PR and grassroots project management.

She is skilled in qualitative and quantitative analysis and comfortable communicating findings to varying stakeholders. Above all, she is deeply passionate about the intersection of technology and government, especially how technology and global discourse shape one another, the processes that lead to belief polarisation and radicalisation of communities, and crafting strategic narratives that steer public discourse.

Outside of work she loves reading, live music light operation, and diving.  

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Clara Hewitt

Clara Hewitt

Programme Manager, Health and Social Care, techUK

Clara joined techUK in October 2023. She brings experience across a range of domestic and global health issues, with particular focus on digital health, HIV/AIDS and climate change and health.

Clara holds an MSc in Global Health and Development (University College London) and a BSc in Psychology (University of Birmingham).

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Rachel Kennedy

Rachel Kennedy

Programme Manager Health and Social Care, techUK

Rachel joined techUK in December 2024, as a Programme Manager in the Health and Social Care team.

Prior to this, Rachel worked at a specialist health and social care public affairs agency, working with a range of organisations and trade bodies across the medical technology, pharmaceutical, digital health and social care sectors. As well as this, Rachel was part of the Secretariat for a number of health and care related All-Party Parliamentary Groups.

Rachel has a Masters in Global Governance and Diplomacy from the University of Leeds, as well as a first-class honours in Politics BA from Newcastle University.

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Tracy Modha

Tracy Modha

Team Assistant - Markets, techUK

Tracy supports several areas at techUK, including Cyber Exchange, Cyber Security, Defence, Health and Social Care, Local Public Services, Nations and Regions and National Security.

Tracy joined techUK in March 2022, having worked in the education sector for 19 years, covering administration, research project support, IT support and event/training support. My most outstanding achievement has been running three very successful international conferences and over 300 training courses booked all over the globe!

Tracy has a great interest in tech. Gaming and computing have been a big part of her life, and now electric cars are an exciting look at the future. She has warmed to Alexa, even though it can sometimes be sassy!

Email:
[email protected]
Phone:
02073312000
Twitter:
@TracyModha,@TracyModha
Website:
www.techuk.org,www.techuk.org
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracymodha83,https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracymodha83

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Authors

Robert Walker