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.
The UK government is preparing to expand community-based healthcare as part of a new plan to cut NHS waiting times, boost productivity, and modernise the system.
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.
New WRES data shows 12.7% of very senior NHS managers are from Black & minority ethnic backgrounds, up from 11.2% in 2023, a significant rise since 2018.
