The NHS or National Health Service is the name used for the UK’s public health service. It was established in 1948 as one of the major social reforms decided after the Second World War. it was founded upon these main principles. That the services should be comprehensive, universal and free. UK residents are not charged for the treatment they receive. Citizens within the EU containing a European Heath Card can receive emergency treatment at no cost. Along with persons from countries with which the UK has reciprocal arrangements concerning health care.
Funding
The funding of the NHS comes 98.8 percent from general taxation and National Insurance contributions along with donations. The 2008/9 budget roughly equates to a contribution of £1,980 per person in the UK. When Launched the NHS budget was around £437 million however it received more than £100 billion in 2008/2009. 60 percent of the NHS budget is used to pay staff. With a further 20 percent paying for drugs and other supplies.
Managing physical records is a significant expense for NHS Trusts in England. From March 2025, EDM Healthcare Consulting will kick off a six-month campaign aimed at raising awareness of how these records affect the digital transformation and spending of NHS organisations. Harry Pettet, EDM’s Managing Director and Lead Consultant, tells us more.
In 2024, healthcare systems in the UK and worldwide faced the perfect storm of ageing, demand, and burnout. As we enter 2025, these trends are likely to persist.
Following the CQC’s review of maternity services, Dr Rachael Grimaldi delves into the alarming normalisation of harm in maternity care and how communication barriers contribute significantly to this concerning issue.
Flu Season: New data from the NHS shows rapid rise in flu cases across the UK, whilst across the world, china continues its battle against human metapneumovirus virus.
Mark Smyth, National Lead for AI & GI Genius at Medtronic, examines how AI can transform colorectal cancer care and outlines a practical roadmap to ensure its adoption aligns with the NHS’s mission of delivering equitable, high-quality care.
The UK government has announced new reform plans to address the backlog of the NHS waiting list, hoping to deliver more appointments, reduce delays,...
NHS is trying to fight the current strain on emergency departments by using new approaches, including artificial intelligence (AI), to identify patients most likely to use emergency services frequently.
With the NHS in dire need of efficiency improvements, AI offers a promising solution, automating administrative tasks and freeing healthcare professionals to focus on patient care. However, responsible AI implementation is paramount, but how and why?
NHS trusts face numerous challenges that impact administrative efficiency and staff welfare. Peter Williams, CEO of SMS Tech, explains how the company’s solutions can streamline administrative burdens, reduce burnout, and support sustainability goals.
A new total-body PET scanner revealed at St Thomas' Hospital in London is up to 40 times more sensitive than previous scanners and is set to revolutionise how diseases are diagnosed and treated in the UK.
As the UK's health and social care systems continue to face growing pressure, techUK has published a set of strategic recommendations aimed at accelerating digital transformation across the sector.
The NHS in England has introduced a new therapy that hopes to transform the lives of hundreds of adults living with X-linked Hypophosphatemia (XLH), this rare genetic disorder causes severe bone, dental, and skeletal issues.
