ABSTRACT

Originally published in 1980, this book explores how the NHS confronts perennial stresses and problems, considering in particular the allocation of the scarce resources within the health service. Written by distinguished academics, three of whom previously undertook research work for the Royal Commission on the NHS, the discussion centres on whether more could not be spent, whether resources are being allocated equitably, how planning can work most effectively, whether there are feasible ways of financing the service and how organisation and management could be improved: in short, all issues which continue to be pertinent to the NHS today.

chapter 1|11 pages

Introduction

chapter 2|31 pages

Historical Perspective

chapter 3|26 pages

Organisation and Management

chapter 4|20 pages

The Processes of Resource Allocation

chapter 5|19 pages

Planning Systems

chapter 6|8 pages

Monitoring and Control

chapter 7|21 pages

The Cost of Spending More

chapter 8|28 pages

Allocating Resources Equitably

chapter 9|32 pages

Planning Priorities

chapter 10|34 pages

Alternative Financing

chapter 11|17 pages

Effectiveness and Efficiency

chapter 12|25 pages

Improving Organisation and Management

chapter 13|8 pages

Conclusions