SBQ ON NHS

Issue: How far does NHS benefit Britain today?

Background Information:

The National Health Service (NHS) is the name of a socially funded healthcare service, providing healthcare to anyone normally resident in the United Kingdom with most services free at the point of use for the patient though there are charges associated with eye tests, dental care, prescriptions, and many aspects of personal care. The NHS is largely funded from general taxation. Most of the expenditure of The Department of Health (£98.7 billion in 2008-9) is spent on the NHS.
PM Margaret Thatcher introduced measures such as reducing subsidies in order to make NHS more sustainable for the government, privatization to increase efficiency and the introduction of several services such as NHS Direct which improved the quality of NHS. Success is shown as the aims are met: reducing dependency on the government and sustainability.

Source A A cartoon drawn by a Briton , commenting on the services provided by the NHS.

Source B A comment made by Sir Nigel Crisp, NHS Chief Executive in his annual report

Sir Nigel said the health service was working "more effectively and more efficiently", although he acknowledged more needs to be done."We are beginning to see a really big change in the NHS," he said. The report suggests that there have been major improvements, 98% of patients are now able to see their GP or practice nurses within 24 hours, 94% of patients are now seen and treated in A&E within four hours. "Waiting times have fallen faster and further this year than ever before," Sir Nigel said. "More staff have been recruited and more buildings and equipment brought into use."

Source C A current nurse advisor in the NHS in an interview

What is the best thing about your job?
Talking to and helping people and, of course, my wonderful colleagues.