Responding to the Government's plan to abolish NHS England, Prof Phil Banfield, chair of BMA council, said:

"It has been increasingly clear that NHSE no longer has a grip on the health service, its staffing or the future of the NHS. While we have had our criticisms of NHSE's leadership, this does not detract from the hard work they and their staff have done, and this news will be devasting for many of them.

"The systematic fragmentation and incremental cuts to the NHS have made it too complex and unclear to frontline staff, patients, and the next generation of doctors just who is responsible for today, tomorrow, and the future. Any reorganisation must see that the Government retains the expertise needed in the coming battle to mend the NHS.

"This is a high stakes move from Government. Without NHSE acting as a buffer between himself and delivery of healthcare to patients, the buck will now well and truly stop with the Health Secretary.

"Doctors' experiences of reorganisations of the NHS have not been positive. This must not become a distraction from the crucial task that lies ahead: dealing with a historic workforce crisis,  bringing down waiting lists and restoring the family doctor.

"If removing a layer from the NHS brings the immediate priority of staff retention closer to ministers' noses, then all the better. If it merely creates chaos and confusion, then far less so. The reality is that the future of the NHS has always been in the hands of ministers and governments. Doctors and patients now expect them to deliver on their promises."

ENDS

Notes to editors

The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.