The NHS Confederation and NHS Providers have announced the name of the new national membership organisation created through their merger earlier this year. From April 2026, the newly formed body will be known as The NHS Alliance, representing and supporting the health and care system across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The merger, confirmed in January, brings together two influential national organisations in a significant step designed to strengthen collective leadership across the NHS. By uniting their expertise, The NHS Alliance aims to improve the support, insight and advocacy provided to NHS trusts, primary care services, integrated care boards, and voluntary, independent and community‑based providers.
The organisation’s stated purpose is clear: to help improve the NHS and the health of people across the UK. It will do this by convening NHS leaders, providing a strong national voice to government, and supporting members to enhance the quality, efficiency and transformation of services at a time of exceptional pressure on the health system.
The NHS Alliance will formally launch in April 2026 under the leadership of Sir Ciarán Devane, currently Chair of the Health Service Executive in Ireland. As the inaugural chief executive, Sir Ciarán will guide the newly merged organisation through its early years, helping to establish a unified direction and identity for members across all three nations.
His appointment marks an important step in setting the tone for an organisation that aims to influence national policy, support strategic improvement and foster collaboration across the entire health system.
By combining the strengths of two well-established bodies, The NHS Alliance intends to:
- Bring NHS leadership together across all sectors
- Represent member perspectives to national government and policymakers
- Support organisations to improve services through insight, networks and leadership development
- Strengthen the collective influence of the NHS during a period of major system transformation
The merger represents a consolidating moment for national leadership bodies, aiming to reduce duplication, create a stronger policy voice and ensure more efficient support for members.
Lord Victor Abedowale, Chair of the NHS Confederation and NHS Providers, who is soon to become the Chair of the NHS Alliance, said:
“As the NHS Confederation and NHS Providers, we have not come together to be bigger: we have come together to be braver, more influential and to provide greater support to our members.
“Our members told us clearly and consistently that the NHS needs a stronger and more unified voice, which can be used to speak with authority across the whole system. That is what I am determined The NHS Alliance will be.
“We will aim to provide outstanding support and value for money for our members, while bringing the collective weight of our membership in pursuit of a higher performing NHS and healthier nation.
“The NHS needs collective leadership right now and I am excited by what The NHS Alliance will deliver for all parts of the health and care system.”
The NHS Alliance will formally begin its work in April 2026.
Image credit: iStock
