Published Work

The future of the NHS : a framework for debate.

Public Deposited
Place of publication
  • London : King's Fund
Publication date
  • 2002
Pages
  • 22p.
Abstract
  • In the wake of the NHS Plan, the King's Fund brought together a group of commentators, academics and practitioners from health and other sectors to consider the best ways forward. This discussion paper presents a broad analysis of current problems and three approaches to change. It identifies three immediate and inter-related problems that need to be tackled: over politicisation of the NHS, excessive centralisation, and a lack of responsiveness to individuals and local communities. The key to these problems is enabling frontline staff, patients and the public to assert greater influence over how health care is managed and delivered. It proposes three fundamental reforms of the way the NHS is managed. Firstly, at the national level, legislation is needed to set up a corporation to manage the NHS at arm's length from the Government. The corporation would have responsibility for allocating funds across the NHS, regulating health care and setting standards for services; while the Government would provide funding and control health policy. Secondly, locally, existing NHS health care providers should be re-established as new types of not-for-profit organisations with strong local accountability. They should have complete control of how they use their assets but remain publicly owned and work to national standards of care. Finally, at all levels, patients' views should have a more direct impact on shaping and developing services. For example, patients should be given more choice about how their own health care is managed, including where, how and by whom they are treated. [SMD]
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