MPs examine NHS England abolition
The Health and Social Care Committee will hold an evidence session next week into the legislation for abolishing NHS England and reforming local commissioning.
Meeting details
MPs will consider whether the Health Bill devolves power to local commissioners, as the Government claims, or whether the reforms would invest too much power in the Secretary of State. The cross-party Committee is likely to ask whether the Department’s officials have the skills needed to take over responsibilities held by NHS England. And, with plans to abolish Healthwatch contained in the Bill, there may also be questions on how the new system would ensure accountability in the system and that the patient’s voice is heard.
The expert witnesses are likely to be asked about the proposals to merge the Health Service Safety Investigations Body (HSSIB), an independent body that investigates failings in NHS services, into the Care Quality Commission.