Responding to the announcement of the next steps to establish the new NHS England, the interim chief executive of NHS Providers, Saffron Cordery, said:

"The move to system working and the Health and Care Act (2022) have created new opportunities to improve health and care, but also require a new operating model clarifying roles and responsibilities for leaders at different levels in this landscape.

"We see the benefits of bringing national leadership for workforce and digital within NHS England's remit to ensure integrated policy making. It is also good that NHS England under Amanda Pritchard is seeking to adapt to support system working, harnessing the skills and expertise of staff effectively and efficiently.

"This is a difficult process that will inevitably cause worry and uncertainty for colleagues and we welcome the emphasis on compassionate leadership.

"It will be important to ensure this focus on the impact of internal mergers does not eclipse the wider relationships and support that will be needed to ensure the success of system working, and the crucial role of trusts within that."