ABSTRACT
This chapter considers how the economic assumptions and practices associated with neoliberalism impact on the welfare state, and specifically on the NHS. It examines an ascendancy of a particular reading of economics that elevates the importance of markets. There is a history of marketisation in the NHS, some of this preceded the neoliberal ascendance but its impact has accelerated. Key steps in marketisation are described as are details of privatisation of health and care services. How do market principles and the pursuit of profits changes priorities in the NHS? Can an ascendancy of the economics of neoliberalism change the way we think about priorities in health and about the way we interact with those who need care?
