The Future of the NHS

Summary

Should the government be responsible for every dropped bedpan, or is it time to separate political and managerial responsibilities? This paper looks at three main issues affecting the NHS: over-politicisation, over-centralisation, and lack of responsiveness. It asks what changes are needed in funding and capacity, and in the division between health and social care. Drawing on discussions between expert commentators and academics in the field, it proposes three solutions: a new legislative settlement to clarify roles, new freedoms for health care providers, and greater patient choice.