Navigating the new NHS in England

The NHS in England is undergoing a period of radical reform during 2013. The Health and Social Care Act 2012 includes significant changes to the structure of the NHS, including the way that care is commissioned. Further changes are proposed as part of the Care and Support Bill 2012. The RCN is working hard to represent our members throughout this process, giving the nursing perspective on the changes at every stage.

These pages are designed to give members an overview of the reforms and what they mean for nursing.

Please note that the RCN opposed the Health and Social Care Act when it was going through Parliament. As the Act has now been passed, the RCN is committed to help make the reforms work for the benefit of patients, and our members.

For a quick guide to the reforms, please download our presentation An overview of recent NHS reform in England (PowerPoint 206KB). The Department of Health has also put together a guide to the new health care system, available on the gov.uk website.

For information on the section 75 regulations regarding procurement, patient choice and competition, please visit the section 75 page.

Key topics

The Health and Social Care Act 2012 - information and video resources to explain what the changes mean to you.
The new commissioning landscape – includes information on NHS England (previously known as the NHS Commissioning Board), clinical commissioning groups (CCGs), commissioning support services/units, and clinical senates and networks.
The new provider landscape – information on changes that affect providers, including the aim that all NHS trusts will, over time, become foundation trusts.
Public health reforms – includes information on Public Health England and the new role of local authorities
Social care reforms – includes information on the RCN's responses to the Care and Support Bill and relevant Government consultations on social care reform.
System regulation– includes information on the changing role of Monitor.
Patient and public involvement – includes information on HealthWatch.
Workforce issues - information on how the RCN is working to ensure that the complex workforce and HR issues caused by the reforms are handled properly and transparently.
Archive – read what the RCN said about the reforms as they were proposed.

Get involved

The RCN is working to provide support and a range of development opportunities for nurses directly involved in the new commissioning organisations. If you are a lead nurse for a CCG and want to know more, please send your membership number and your contact details to commissioning@rcn.org.uk. We will add you to our database and ensure that you are kept up to date, supported and involved.