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.
NHS England initiated a ‘financial reset’ for 2025/26, expecting Trusts to improve productivity by 4%, operate within reduced budgets, and provide evidence of control. Gareth Jenkins from Changeology Group Ltd outlines how the company can help achieve these goals.
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.
The NHS Cancer Programme has awarded £14.4 million through SBRI Healthcare to support 16 pioneering projects aimed at improving early cancer detection and diagnosis across the UK.
The NHS will provide a new triple combination therapy to hundreds of children and adults with cystic fibrosis in England, aiming to improve lung function and quality of life for eligible patients.
The government begins phase 1 of its 10 Year Health Plan, launching 42 pioneer neighbourhood health services in deprived areas to support those with complex needs at home.
