The government is planning a shake-up of the NHS. Here’s what that could mean for the future of the health service thetimes.co.uk/article/nhs-sh…
What is the biggest change?
Sources familiar with the proposed shake-up say the government plans to centralise decision-making. One health source said: “The NHS is getting a new driver.” That new driver could be Matt Hancock
Sources familiar with the proposed shake-up say the government plans to centralise decision-making. One health source said: “The NHS is getting a new driver.” That new driver could be Matt Hancock
The new driver will have the power to block the closure of hospitals and direct how the NHS provides services. In effect, future health secretaries could overrule NHS executives from their offices in Whitehall
What are the ramifications?
They are huge. If future governments can run policy inside NHS clinics, GP surgeries and hospital wards, they are much more likely to be able to promote changes they have promised the electorate
They are huge. If future governments can run policy inside NHS clinics, GP surgeries and hospital wards, they are much more likely to be able to promote changes they have promised the electorate
If they want to promote a drive to combat obesity, for instance, ministers could simply reallocate resources to focus on fat
This shift in power could also be a poisoned chalice. At the moment, health secretaries can distance themselves from the NHS when things go wrong. But if they’re in the driving seat, there’s no hiding place
In addition, if healthcare becomes even more politicised, it runs the risk of illness falling in and out of fashion. David Cameron focused much attention on the burden of dementia, but subsequent administrations have not matched his dedication
Read more: thetimes.co.uk/article/nhs-sh…
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