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.
New WRES data shows 12.7% of very senior NHS managers are from Black & minority ethnic backgrounds, up from 11.2% in 2023, a significant rise since 2018.
Anjub Ali, Senior Construction Specialist at NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS), explains revolutionising NHS transport infrastructure for a sustainable future in the drive towards net zero.
The latest data released by health authorities emphasises the mounting pressure on the National Health Service (NHS), with hospitals nationwide flooded with three times more flu patients than last year.
Bryn Sage, CEO of remote patient monitoring provider Inhealthcare, explains how the company’s digital health technology is helping to ease pressures across the NHS, reduce hospital admissions, and improve patients’ health outcomes.
Avinav Nigam, Founder of Tern Group, discusses the NHS staffing crisis and why, in addressing this challenge, policymakers must consider the interplay between migration policies, societal challenges, and the healthcare sector’s needs.
Joanna Seymour, Director of Development at Warm Wales, discusses how social prescribing is combatting fuel poverty, improving health, and reducing pressure on GP services.
NHS trusts are exploring new opportunities to use infrastructure that they already own. The aim? To better engage with patients, alleviate their anxieties, and inform patients what is happening regarding their care, whilst at the same time reducing pressures on busy wards. Matt O’Donovan, Chief Executive at SPARK TSL, explains.
The King's Speech announced a roadmap for a better and brighter future for the country, focussing on economic growth, further strengthening the NHS, stricter measures on crime, energy security and the UK’s international standing on global issues, but how does the Government plan to do this?
The Health Tech Alliance explains the importance of digital and technological innovations, particularly virtual wards, in supporting NHS healthcare providers.
Adrian Sutherland, Strategy Director (Global Healthcare) at Endava, outlines how artificial intelligence technologies can be a valuable tool in supporting healthcare staff and improving patient outcomes.
As the NHS endeavours to harness digital tools and use health data to improve services, Sam Shah, Chief Medical Strategy Officer at Numan, considers the hurdles that need to be overcome to achieve this digital transformation.
According to modelling work from the Health Foundation charity, the NHS waiting lists may exceed eight million by next summer, even if doctor strikes stop.
