A Guide to the NHS / Edition 1

by Tony White

Overview

To maximise the effectiveness of their work, NHS employees need a clear understanding of the structures and systems of the organisation in which they work. However, this information can be widely spread, hard to access and difficult to gain a working overview of, and the pace of changes and initiatives can seem almost dizzying. This book draws together a clear picture of the modern NHS, from funding and governance to reports, inquiries and overarching legislation. The book is clear and easy to understand and crucially includes full references to provide a one-stop point of access to the most detailed and up-to-date information available. This book is essential reading for workers in the NHS at all levels, including managers, administrators and clinical professionals. It is vital reading for managers and staff at commercial companies working with the NHS. It will also be of interest to campaigners, patient interest groups, researchers and journalists with an interest in the NHS. Specialty registrars and consultants can also find the information from the book, and much more, in The Doctor's Handbook Parts 1 & 2, by the same author. 'Rather than long narrative histories or complex explanations, the author signposts readers to sources of further information, making this book the quick guide so many of us need' - from the Foreword by Sir Ian Carruthers

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781846194689
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	09/25/2010
Pages:	234
Product dimensions:	8.40(w) x 9.90(h) x 0.60(d)

Table of Contents

Foreword vii

Preface viii

About the author ix

Abbreviations x

1 Understanding the NHS 3

A statistical picture of the NHS 3

The NHS structure 7

Management of the NHS at national level 9

Management at commissioning level 32

Providers, trusts and the independent sector 42

Other topics and notes on recently published plans and reforms 54

Healthcare in other parts of the UK 64

A brief historical review of UK healthcare 74

2 Clinical governance and quality 79

The elements of clinical governance 80

Risk management 85

Clinical audit 86

Evidence-based clinical practice 89

NHS quality initiatives 90

Safeguarding Patients 96

High Quality Care for All 98

3 The future 101

Changing cultures and expectations 102

NHS resources 102

The future of general practice 103

The future of general hospitals 103

The future of doctors 110

Standing Medical Advisory Committee (SMAC) 114

The development of paramedical personnel 119

4 Funding and the NHS 123

The finances of the NHS 124

Distribution of NHS funds 127

Funding for NHS in devolved parts of the UK 138

Capital in the NHS 140

Public Private Partnership and Private Finance Initiative 140

Local Improvement Finance Trust (NHS LIFT) 143

The National Audit Office (NAO) 143

Audit Commission 144

Office for National Statistics 144

Finances at local level 144

Healthcare worldwide 148

Funding in the future 152

5 Acts, circulars, reports and inquiries 154

Health-related Acts of Parliament and legislation including Statutory Instruments 154

Various health-related Regulations, Guidance Notes and Codes of Conduct and Good Practice 174

Key health-related reports 192

Index 215