The role of the Department of Health in the new system

e Department of Health’s purpose is to help people live better for longer. We lead, shape and fund health and care in England, making sure people have the support, care and treatment they need, with the compassion, respect and dignity they deserve. The new and changing health and care organisations work together with the Department to achieve this common purpose.

We enable health and social care bodies to deliver services according to national priorities and work with other parts of government to achieve this. We set objectives and budgets and hold the system to account on behalf of the Secretary of State.

The Secretary of State for Health has ultimate responsibility for ensuring the whole system works together to meet the needs of patients and the public and reflect their experiences.