The major NHS change that will affect every patient in England
The King's Speech detailed 'significant reforms' to the health service through the NHS Modernisation Bill
Millions of patients in England could soon be able to access a single digital health record through the NHS App as a result of major changes designed to 'modernise' the health service.
King Charles outlined the government's law-making plans for the coming year in a speech to the House of Lords today (May 13), which included the new NHS Modernisation Bill.
It promises one of the biggest shake-ups of the health service in years, including the creation of a 'Single Patient Record' bringing together people’s health and social care information in one place.
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Ministers say the NHS reforms will improve patient safety, reduce bureaucracy and give people more control over their own care.
The plans were announced as part of the Government’s wider bid to overhaul the NHS after an independent review by Lord Ara Darzi in 2024 found the health service was in a 'critical condition'.
Under the proposals, patients would be able to securely view their records through the NHS App, with maternity and frailty care expected to be among the first areas included by 2028 before a wider rollout across the NHS.
The Government says the changes are intended to stop patients having to repeatedly explain their medical history and ensure doctors and hospitals can access the same up-to-date information.
The Bill states that 'information silos' between hospitals, GPs and community services currently force patients to repeat their stories and can 'put patient safety at risk' when clinicians do not have full records available.
According to figures cited in the legislation briefing, nearly one in four adults have noticed inaccuracies or missing details in their medical records, while more than one in four people who spotted errors said they had to repeat their medical history.
The reforms would also abolish NHS England, with its powers transferred into the Department of Health and Social Care. Ministers claim this will cut bureaucracy, improve accountability and free up more money for frontline care.
The Government says reintegrating NHS England into the Department of Health and Social Care, alongside wider restructuring, could save around £1 billion a year by the end of this Parliament.
Other major changes in the Bill include:
- More powers for local health leaders through Integrated Care Boards (ICBs)
- A shake-up of patient watchdog services including Healthwatch England
- Greater local control over dentistry, pharmacy and optician services
- New patient safety powers for the Care Quality Commission
- Streamlined NHS planning and governance rules
The Government said the Bill would help create an NHS that 'harnesses digital technologies, unlocks the value of health data, empowers patients and clinicians, embeds patient voice in decision-making, and gives greater power to local leaders'.
The reforms come after mounting concerns over fragmented NHS systems and delays caused by outdated technology. A survey by The King's Fund found nearly two in three patients and carers experienced at least one administrative problem with their care in the past year, including missing information, difficulty changing appointments or having to chase test results.
The NHS Modernisation Bill will mainly apply in England, although some measures are expected to extend across the UK.