The NHS has faced massive change under the 2012 Health and Social Care Act, combined with a huge financial crisis, an ageing population and more demand for its services than ever. Kieran Walshe argues that this has led to a ‘shadowy’ era where decisions are being made rapidly, without the legislative processes and periods of […]
Slim Chance: how the Government’s action on childhood obesity is an opportunity lost
As Great Britain reflects on a triumphant Rio Olympic Games that showcased just how fit our young people can be, the reality remains that we have a major problem at home with obesity. Last week, the Government released its long-awaited strategy document ‘Childhood obesity: a plan for action’. But, says Mars Skae, this major opportunity […]
Care.data project tarnished by liberties and assumptions
The potential for Care.data to improve the health of the nation is hard to argue with, writes Jonathan Hammond. But he argues that a lack of patient control, security concerns and a lamentable communications strategy have tarnished the laudable aims of the whole scheme. Let’s start with some facts about Care.data. It is a programme […]
NHS charging: government needs to act to avoid CSA repeat
The British government recently announced that some people from outside Europe who make use of the National Health Service are to be charged for their care. But the public management challenges associated with calculating and collecting these fees are numerous, writes Professor Perri 6, who fears a repeat of the Child Support Agency fiasco. We’ve […]