Wes Streeting Unveils Ambitious Plans to Rebuild the NHS

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has announced a comprehensive strategy to reform the National Health Service (NHS), aiming to enhance patient care while addressing criticisms regarding his political ambitions. The Labour Party outlined plans to save billions by eliminating redundant processes and streamlining operations within the NHS.

The announcement, made during his address at the NHS Providers Conference in Manchester on November 12, 2025, comes amidst speculation about Streeting’s potential challenge to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. In response to media reports suggesting such intentions, Streeting affirmed his support for the Prime Minister, stating that those fueling such rumors were “watching too much Traitors.”

In his speech, Streeting emphasized the government’s commitment to invest an additional £29 billion into the NHS. He reassured taxpayers that every penny of this investment would be allocated efficiently. “We have already cut waiting lists for the first time in 15 years, recruited 2,500 more general practitioners, and reduced ambulance wait times for critical conditions,” he said, highlighting the progress made under his tenure.

Streeting detailed that reforms would focus on reducing bureaucracy by approximately 18,000 administrative roles, translating to savings of over £1 billion. These savings will be redirected toward frontline patient care, stating, “Every £1 billion saved in bureaucracy costs is enough to fund an extra 116,000 hip and knee operations.”

The government’s plan includes a significant reduction in the workforce of Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), which were introduced in 2022 to oversee regional health services. Streeting indicated that ICBs would see their headcounts cut by 50%, allowing them to operate more effectively as strategic commissioners. Labour argues that this shift will lead to a leaner, more focused structure within the NHS.

As part of the broader strategy, Streeting noted that the government intends to reintegrate NHS England back into the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) within two years. This move aims to eliminate the duplication of functions currently performed by two separate organizations.

Sir Jim Mackey, CEO of NHS England, praised the initiative, stating, “This is good news for NHS staff and patients, allowing our organizations to move forward and provide greater certainty about the future for all our staff and leaders.” He highlighted the potential for freeing up resources, which would allow for increased investment in frontline services while reducing the bureaucratic obstacles that hinder care improvements.

The forthcoming budget, set to prioritize cutting waiting lists, addressing national debt, and alleviating the cost of living, will further emphasize efficient use of taxpayer funds by identifying and eliminating waste in public services.

Streeting concluded, “It won’t happen overnight, but with our investment and modernization efforts, we will rebuild our NHS so it is there for you when you need it once again.” As the Labour Party gears up for future elections, these reforms aim to establish a more efficient, patient-focused healthcare system while addressing concerns about governmental inefficiency and waste.