May 14th 2026

By Ailsa Colquhoun

ICB cuts and single patient records dominate the health agenda in the King's Speech

The National Health Service [NHS Modernisation Bill] included in the May 2026 King’s Speech gives legal backing to the planned abolition of NHS England, reduced ICB responsibilities and the creation of a Single Patient Record (SPR).

The plan is that by 2028 patients should be able to view their records securely on the NHS app.

Commenting on the Bill, think tank the King’s Fund has said: “Previous attempts at formalising a Single Patient Record have failed or been delayed, in part due to concerns about privacy, with some health professionals worried about data control responsibilities. The government will need to … allay [those] fears.”