Secretary of State for Health and Social Care

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care is a senior Cabinet minister leading the Department of Health and Social Care. The officeholder is responsible for overseeing the National Health Service in England, setting health policy, and managing the nation's social care system. Appointed by the Monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister, the Secretary of State is a key figure in the British government and is accountable to Parliament.

History

The role originated with the Minister of Health, a position created in 1919 following the Ministry of Health Act 1919. The modern title was established in 1988 as Secretary of State for Health under Margaret Thatcher, with Kenneth Clarke as the first incumbent. The department was renamed the Department of Health and Social Care in 2018 under Theresa May, reflecting an expanded remit. Key historical moments overseen by officeholders include the founding of the National Health Service in 1948 under Aneurin Bevan and major reforms like the Health and Social Care Act 2012 introduced by Andrew Lansley. The role gained immense public prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic under Matt Hancock and Sajid Javid.

Responsibilities

The Secretary of State holds ultimate responsibility for the health and social care system in England. This includes setting the strategic direction and budget for the National Health Service, which encompasses NHS England and oversight of Clinical Commissioning Groups. The minister is also responsible for public health policy, including initiatives managed by Public Health England and its successor, the UK Health Security Agency. Key duties involve legislation, such as the Mental Health Act 1983, regulating professions through bodies like the General Medical Council, and overseeing the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. The role also encompasses the adult social care system, including funding and integration with the NHS.

List of officeholders

Since its creation, the office has been held by numerous prominent political figures. The first was Kenneth Clarke of the Conservative Party in 1988. Notable holders include Frank Dobson, who served under Tony Blair, and Alan Johnson, who later became Home Secretary. Andy Burnham was a key architect of the Health and Social Care Act 2012. More recent officeholders include Jeremy Hunt, the longest-serving in the role, Matt Hancock, who resigned during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Thérèse Coffey under Liz Truss. The current Secretary of State, appointed in November 2023 by Rishi Sunak, is Victoria Atkins.

See also

* Department of Health and Social Care * National Health Service * Minister of State for Health * Health policy in the United Kingdom * Social care in England * Chief Medical Officer for England * Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care

Category:Secretaries of State for Health and Social Care Category:Health in the United Kingdom Category:British political offices