THE reorganisation of one of Britain’s most beloved institutions should be postponed until proposals have been properly scrutinised, says a concerned MP.
Downing Street has unveiled plans to shake-up the structure of the National Health Service in a bid to enable more collaboration, integration, and co-operation.
The Government also hopes its proposed changes will result in improved accountability, public health, and social care, and enhance confidence in the services.
One of the key plans is to roll-out integrated care systems in every area of the country, aligning boundaries with those of upper-tier authorities.
Sir Bernard Jenkin, MP for Harwich and North Essex believes this could result in the breakup of existing ICS areas, such as Suffolk & North East Essex.
Unhappy with the proposals and what he believes to have far been a lack of transparency, he has now secured a date on which the changes will be debated.
Sir Bernard said: "I requested a debate be granted on the imminent changes to the NHS Integrated Care System Boundaries.
“This is a wholesale reorganisation of NHS commissioning in areas like Essex before MPs have even seen the legislation to make these changes effective.
“There has been very little consultation, documents have been withheld from us and they do not carry support of many health service and voluntary organisations.
“These proposals have not received proper scrutiny.
“The NHS is working hard to catch up on the backlogs caused by the pandemic and a reorganisation is just not what is needed right now."
The debate is scheduled to take place in the House of Commons on June 29 before or at 7pm.
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