Organization of health care services

On March 13, 2025, a major organizational reform was announced by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). It is planned to abolish the NHS England and reintegrate its functions into the DHSC. The initiative aims to reduce bureaucracy, eliminate duplication between the two bodies, improve efficiency, and cut costs. The transition is expected to be completed within the next two years.

In January 2025, the General Directorate of the Common Package of Benefits of the National Health and Pharmacy System released a Resolution regarding the participation of patients in the working groups dependent on the Commission of Benefits, Insurance, and Financing (CPAF). This Resolution officially endorses patient involvement in CPAF working groups to enhance the legitimacy and inclusivity of healthcare policy decisions.

On February 4, 2025, the French National Authority for Health (HAS) published its 2025-2030 strategic project. The document outlines current challenges and opportunities in the health system, defines three strategic priorities, and identifies three key areas in which HAS intends to increase its investment over the next five years.

In February 2025, the Board of Danish Regions meeting was held. The key themes discussed concerned prioritizing public wellbeing and environmental sustainability, expanding cancer treatment capacity and funding, and the status of the Common Regional Procurement Strategy 2020-2025 (including “green” procurement).

On January 28, 2025, the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG) provided updates on implementing the Hospital reform in Germany.

In January 2025, it was announced that two Benchmark centers, departments, and units of the Spanish National Health System (CSURs) were designated, and two CSURs were redesignated for previously approved pathologies and procedures in the cardiovascular field.

On January 6, 2025, NHS England, jointly with the Department of Health and Social Care, published the plan to reform elective care. The key commitment is to return to a standard where 92% of patients wait no longer than 18 weeks from referral to treatment by March 2029. To achieve this, NHS England has proposed an action plan, including financial incentives for elective care in areas with the longest waiting list.

The Federal Ministry of Health summarized multiple changes in the healthcare system that will be introduced in 2025. The most important ones relate to the further steps in digitalizing healthcare and hospital reform.

On December 20, 2024, the Belgian Health Care Knowledge Center (KCE) released the Health Services Research report on expenditure control measures in Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG)-based hospital payment systems. The report offers an overview of the current hospital financing model in Belgium, details proposed reforms toward case-based DRG payments, reviews expenditure control mechanisms in five European countries, and provides recommendations to stakeholders.

Since January 1, 2025, the Danish Healthcare Quality Institute has been established, replacing the Health Technology Council and the Regions' Clinical Quality Development Program. The Institute comprises three overall focus areas that contribute to patients receiving high and uniform quality treatment across the country and the best possible health for the money.

On November 22, 2024, the Danish Health Authority announced that it would change its organizational structure. This restructuring is expected to prepare the Danish Health Authority for Health Care Reform work and set a new framework for the work with public health. The organizational changes will take effect on January 1, 2025.

On November 6, 2024, the first meeting of the Board for Health Apps was held in Denmark. As soon as the Board determines the criteria according to which it will assess health apps, it will be possible to apply for assessment followed by recommendations