UK government department steering health and social care policy in England
The Ockenden-led maternity inquiry has found potentially avoidable harms across NUH maternity units, with hundreds of families contributing to a report that details bullying, poor care, and leadership instability spanning more than a decade. The findings call for real change in England’s maternity services.
England’s children’s mental health referrals have surpassed 1 million for 2024-25, a rise driven by anxiety and suspected autism. Wait times remain long, with more than 60,000 waiting over two years. The report calls for joined-up services across health, education and social care to meet demand.
The Amos review has recommended appointing a national maternity and neonatal commissioner to drive urgent reforms in England. Ministers are now pursuing this plan, signaling a turning point after years of concerns about safety, listening to women, and discrimination. An accompanying 10-point plan sets out actions to improve triage, staffing, capacity, and accountability.
The NHS is expanding an AI-driven triage tool across app users, directing patients to the right service and reducing wait times. Trials show a 29% drop in GP phone queue lines, and the program is part of a larger £10bn tech overhaul. Safety, privacy, and digital inclusion remain priorities as the rollout reaches 200,000 patients this year and all users by 2028.
The UK–US pharmaceutical deal has led to a BMJ analysis predicting the NHS will divert billions to fund new medicines, risking hundreds of thousands of excess deaths by 2036, with the toll higher if social care funding is included.
A major NHS maternity review has found hundreds of mothers and babies suffered potentially avoidable harm due to deeply embedded failures at Nottingham University Hospitals. Officials face renewed calls for accountability as MPs consider Hillsborough Law measures.
Analyses show waiting times for NHS treatment in Scotland have increased for some metrics while others are stable. Experts warn that meaningful progress will take time and a comprehensive workforce plan is needed as ministers return after summer recess.
The Covid inquiry has found a “vast” waste of taxpayers’ money in PPE procurement during the pandemic, with almost two-thirds of the £14.9bn spent wasted. It criticises the VIP lane for favoured contracts and highlights inadequate stockpiles and planning.
Public health authorities push for tougher controls on unhealthy food, banning fast-food outlets near schools, cracking down on junk-food advertising, and mandating healthy-food reporting. MPs argue prevention must come before treatment as obesity costs rise and NHS pressures mount. Several reports underline consumer demand for healthier choices and better access to affordable, local food.
A string of developments shows England will roll out a national newborn screening programme for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) via the heel-prick test. The move follows Jesy Nelson’s campaign after her twins were diagnosed with SMA, a condition that can impair muscle movement and breathing. The rollout begins this year and continues into 2027, aiming to provide early diagnosis and treatment opportunities.
Coastguard Rescue Officers have had plans to switch to an expenses-only model halted. Current arrangements remain, with further engagement planned to understand how CROs can be recognised and rewarded. The change was scrapped after pressure from MPs, unions and coastguard volunteers who warned the move would damage public safety.