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.
University Hospitals of North Midlands has secured £250,000 from NIHR to run the ICE trial, a two‑year feasibility study testing a novel dye method to improve surgical outcomes in endometriosis.
A new BMA survey shows that 56% of GPs want more NHS work but can’t find it, 15% report no available GP roles, and 70% of resident doctors in Scotland fear joblessness from August 2025.
NHS England launches its first national review to address LGBT+ health inequalities, focusing on care access, mental health, screening, and patient experience.
National benchmarking has identified opportunities for NHS Trusts, but the real work begins after the spreadsheet closes. Gareth Jenkins from Changeology Group explains that insights alone won’t drive recovery and outlines the steps NHS organisations must take to turn opportunities into action.
Paul Brockbank, Business Development Director at Cambric Systems Ltd, explains how Cambric is empowering NHS operations by providing affordable, integrated, and offline-first software tailored for clinicians, ensuring they have the tools they need to deliver better care.
This article explores how automation, particularly through platforms like Synertec’s Prism, is transforming communication workflows across the NHS, reducing errors, saving time, and significantly improving the patient experience.
Explore the implementation of Digital Pathology in Histology throughout the NHS in the UK and the current state of digital usage, including challenges, implementation and opportunities for innovation.
King’s College London researchers warn of elevated risk from hospital-only medications and illicit drug use within healthcare settings, linking patient and healthcare worker fatalities to gaps in prescribing, discharge planning, and policy.
A breakthrough treatment for severe hay fever caused by birch pollen will soon be available on the NHS, as NICE recommends the first daily immunotherapy tablet for patients who don’t respond to standard therapies.
The UK Government has unveiled an enhanced support plan for people with ME/CFS, including NHS staff training, public awareness campaigns, and up to £200,000 in grants per research project.
