In a joint statement, chief executive of NHS Providers, Daniel Elkeles, and chief executive of NHS Confederation, Matthew Taylor, said their members had supported having ‘one clear voice for NHS leaders delivered through a new single membership body' following a summer and autumn consultation.

The leaders said a merger will ‘deliver greater value and influence as well as budget savings through there only being one membership fee'.

The statement added: ‘The boards of trustees of both organisations, which are primarily made up of NHS leaders from front-line organisations met earlier this week and will meet again in late October to make a final decision on a proposed merger. The needs of our members will be at the forefront of this decision-making process.'

The announcement followed news in September, that Taylor will step down in April 2026.

Board members in October will consider succession planning as well as the proposed merger.