DHSC-NHSE merger timetable revealed

The Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England have revealed a full timetable for merging their functions.

An update to staff late on Tuesday, seen by HSJ, says the organisations are aiming for the legal abolition of NHSE to be complete by April 2027, although it requires legislation to pass in time.

The prime minister first announced that NHSE would be abolished in March last year.

A new “target operating model” is being developed and is expected to be published by the end of May (see timeline chart left).

The DHSC plans to launch a 45-day consultation from October on the “detailed design proposals for the new DHSC and on any potential future downsizing”.

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Source: HSJ, 27 January 2026