Overview

This bill aims to clarify and strengthen the Secretary of State's responsibilities for the National Health Service (NHS) in England. It re-establishes a clear legal duty on the Secretary of State to provide a comprehensive and integrated health service, and grants them greater powers to direct other NHS bodies to ensure this goal is met.

Description

The bill makes several key changes to existing NHS legislation:

• Redefined Secretary of State's Duty: Replaces the existing Secretary of State's duty with a stronger, more direct obligation to provide a comprehensive and integrated health service, ensuring services are free unless specifically charged for by law.
• Abolition of Autonomy Duties: Removes previously existing duties promoting patient autonomy, suggesting a shift in focus towards the overall provision of services.
• Strengthened Secretary of State's Powers: Grants the Secretary of State the power to direct various NHS bodies (including the NHS Commissioning Board, clinical commissioning groups, NHS trusts, and others) on how they exercise their functions and provide services, ensuring alignment with the Secretary of State's overall objectives.
• Clarified Provision of Services: Amends the list of services the Secretary of State is responsible for, ensuring provision of necessary accommodations and facilities.
• Monitor's Objective: Clarifies the objective of Monitor (an NHS regulatory body) to be contributing to a comprehensive and integrated health service, aligning it with the Secretary of State's responsibilities.

Government Spending

The bill does not directly specify changes to government spending. The impact on spending will depend on how the strengthened Secretary of State's powers are exercised and whether it leads to increased or decreased resource allocation across different NHS bodies.

Groups Affected

• Secretary of State for Health: Increased responsibility and powers.
• NHS Bodies (e.g., NHS Commissioning Board, Trusts, Clinical Commissioning Groups): Subject to increased direction and oversight from the Secretary of State.
• Patients: Potential impact on access to services and the overall quality of care, depending on how the bill's provisions are implemented.
• Monitor: Clearer definition of their objective, potentially leading to changes in their regulatory actions.

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