NHS Modernisation Bill introduced

News - 21 May 2026

The Department of Health and Social Care have introduced the NHS Modernisation Bill, part of the government’s plans set out in the King’s Speech, at the State Opening of Parliament.

Some of the measures in the Bill include:

Creating a new Single Patient Record to support joined-up care and give patients access to information through the NHS App.
Moving NHS England’s functions into the Department of Health and Social Care.
Strengthening the role of Integrated Care Boards.
Creating a new Patient Experience Directorate in the Department of Health and Social Care to make sure patients’ views help shape national decisions.

The Government say these reforms aim to make care safer, more joined up and closer to home, while helping the NHS work more efficiently.

However, The NHS Modernisation Bill will change how patients and people who use health and social care services are listened to.

Under the proposed new law local Healthwatch roles will be absorbed by NHS Integrated Care Boards and local councils, and Healthwatch England’s responsibilities will move to the Department of Health and Social Care.

Responding to the King's Speech and the Government's announced intention to pass the NHS Modernisation Bill in this parliamentary session, Sarah Woolnough, Chief Executive of The King's Fund, has said: “The Bill sets out a desire to give more power to patients but in the same breath proceeds to abolish the organisations responsible for studying patient experience independently with no clear plan for stopping the NHS and ministers from 'marking their own homework’”.

What does this mean for the public?

Until the law is changed, Healthwatch is still your independent voice for health and social care, and we will keep:

Listening to your experiences of care.
Offering free, confidential advice and information to help you make the most of local services.
Speaking up so NHS and social care providers know what’s working and what could be better.

Your voice matters, and we’re still listening.

What’s next for the Bill?

The second reading of the Bill has been scheduled for Monday 1 June.

You can track the Bill's progress on the UK Parliament's website here.

Other significant changes

At the same time as the Bill was introduced, the primary political architect and sponsor of the legislation, The Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, resigned as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.

Later that day the Government announced the appointment of The Rt Hon James Murray MP as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. The Government also announced the appointment of Preet Kaur Gill MP as Parliamentary Under Secretary.

In Wakefield District, following the recent local elections, we have new Portfolio Holders in Wakefield Council responsible for health and social care. The new Cabinet Member for Adults and Health is Councillor Dr Ansar Hayat, a local GP at Maybush Medical Centre, and his Deputy is Councillor Joanne Chambers. Healthwatch look forward to working with them and others to make sure we have the best possible health and care services for local people.

Current Legislation

The Health and Social Care Bill was introduced to the UK Parliament in January 2011, by the Secretary of State for Health, Andrew Lansley. After a significant legislative process that included a sweeping ‘pause’ for public consultation and major amendments, it received Royal Assent to become law as the Health and Social Care Act 2012 on 27 March 2012.

The Health and Care Bill was introduced to the UK Parliament in July 2021. Following parliamentary scrutiny and amendments, the legislation achieved Royal Assent and officially became the Health and Care Act 2022 on 28 April 2022.