The government has announced plans to scrap over 200 organisations involved in managing and monitoring the NHS in England, as part of efforts to simplify the health system. Among those set to close are Healthwatch England, which champions patient rights, and the National Guardian’s Office, which supports whistleblowing within health services. Health Secretary Wes Streeting described the current structure as overly complicated, saying it’s time for “more action, less oversight”.

This overhaul forms part of Labour’s upcoming 10-year vision for healthcare. The move will see bodies created under previous governments, including local health planning groups, dissolved. The government argues that the sheer number of agencies has resulted in conflicting guidance that burdens staff and slows down progress. Ministers say greater focus will be placed on patient feedback through the NHS app in future.

The changes have prompted mixed reactions. While some, including NHS Confederation chief Matthew Taylor, welcomed the chance to cut duplication and invest more in frontline care, there are concerns that vital protections could be lost. Healthwatch England’s chief executive expressed sadness but pledged to ensure patients’ voices remain heard during the transition.

A pilot scheme is also planned linking hospital funding to patient ratings, with poor feedback potentially diverting funds into improvement initiatives. Leaders warn such measures must be carefully designed to avoid unfairly penalising hospitals for issues beyond their control.

Young children across Kent are taking part in a new scheme teaching them how to stay safe in the sun, with the aim of lowering rates of skin cancer in future generations. The pilot project, set to roll out nationally in PSHE lessons from 2026, encourages children as young as five to check UV levels and apply sunscreen correctly. Melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer, is strongly linked to UV rays. Experts warn that sunburn in early life greatly increases the chance of developing the disease later on.

Figures from Cancer Research UK show that 18,300 people were diagnosed with melanoma in 2021, with numbers expected to rise to over 21,000 by 2026. Michelle Baker from the Melanoma Fund, the charity leading the initiative, said teaching children sun-safe habits early on could help reduce these cases. “We want to empower children to protect themselves — it’s their superpower,” she explained.

At Platt Primary School in Maidstone, pupils are learning about UV indexes, sunscreen application, and the importance of sun protection. Headteacher Emma Smith said the children have responded enthusiastically, adding that early education helps them resist unhealthy influences as they grow.

Experts stress there is no such thing as a safe tan, as tanning indicates skin damage. To stay protected, children should stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm, wear hats and cover up, and use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and good UVA protection.