ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the author splits survey of the future into consideration of the NHS and healthcare systems in general, particularly with regards to structures and resources and how those resources are found and managed. It considers the hospitals and their future roles separately from new technology and also considers the changes facing the profession. Cultural shift caused by societal, individual, political or professional change has tended to try to decentralise power and influence, and increase user involvement, leading in policy-making to different expectations of healthcare. The NHS has plans for reform and outlined visions of a health service designed around the patient that covers: a new delivery system for the NHS, changes between health and social services, changes for patients, and changes in the relationship between the NHS and the private sector. The NHS may well become a mere funder of healthcare with control over resource allocation devolved to the private or voluntary sector.
