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.
A new report by the National Pharmacy Association reveals that patients spent over 6 million hours in A&E last year for minor health issues that could have been managed by community pharmacies, highlighting an opportunity to ease pressure on emergency services.
Diseases could be detected even before people experience symptoms, thanks to a pioneering new health-data programme as part of the government’s modern Industrial Strategy.
Public Health England South West coordinated a multi-intervention day with local healthcare providers, charities and services to provide TB screening for the rough sleeping and homeless community.
Diabetes UK has appointed twenty healthcare professionals, including consultants, nurses, GPs, dietitians, podiatrists, pharmacists and psychologists as its newest cohort of Clinical Champions.
New government investment in health research will help tackle the biggest challenges over the next 5 years, including dementia, obesity and mental health.
The NHS will test the world's first ‘subscription’ style payment model to incentivise pharmaceutical companies to develop new drugs for resistant infections.
Recent research by Transforming Healthcare Consultancy has revealed that 25% of NHS acute trusts are not compliant with standards that ensure that Laboratory Information Management Systems are fit-for-purpose.
