ASSURANCES have been given to an MP concerned about a Government shake-up to one of Britain’s most beloved institutions.

Downing Street has unveiled plans to adapt the structure of the National Health Service in a bid to enable more collaboration, integration, and co-operation.

The Government also hopes its proposed changes will result in improved accountability, public health, and social care, and enhance confidence in the services.

One of the key plans is to roll-out integrated care systems in every area of the country, aligning boundaries with those of upper-tier authorities.

But Sir Bernard Jenkin, MP for Harwich and North Essex called for proper scrutinisation of the plans when addressing the House of Commons on Tuesday, after securing a debate.

He believes the plans could result in the breakup of existing integrated care systems areas, such as Suffolk and in North East Essex.

And now Sir Bernard has secured assurances from the Government that the new NHS boundaries will not be decided until the new health minister, Sajid Javid, has met with him, former PM Theresa May and other MPs concerned about the changes.

Following the debate, Sir Bernard said: “I am glad the minister acknowledged my concerns, and the concerns of my parliamentary colleagues.

“Our local NHS has never been better led in my 30 years as an MP and these proposals, in their current form, jeopardise this progress.

“The minister gave me the assurance that no decisions have been made and members will be heard before they are.

“I look forward to meeting with the new secretary of state for health along with Theresa May and other MPs with affected constituencies to make sure he is aware of both the success of our local NHS and the risks posed to it form an unnecessary major reorganisation.

“This would be change for the sake of change and is not what the NHS or our constituents need as we emerge from the pandemic.”