GovWire

Since 2003, the Independent Reconfiguration Panel (IRP) has given advice to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care about NHS proposals for service change that have been contested by local stakeholders.

Taking account of recent cases that have been referred to the IRP by ministers, and the impact of changes in legislation implemented via the Health and Care Act 2022, this report suggests several factors that make it more likely that proposals for change will successfully deliver high quality and sustainable NHS services.