The Political Economy Of Health Care: A Clinical Perspective (health And Society)

This is a passionate analysis of the historical development, current state and potential future shape of the National Health Service by distinguished doctor and author, Julian Tudor Hart. Drawing on many years of clinical experience, Tudor Hart sets out to explore how the NHS might be reconstituted as a humane service for all (rather than a profitable one for the few), and a civilising influence on society as a whole. His starting point is an attack on the creeping commercialisation of the health service - the privatisation of a growing number of spheres, and the application of market economics to procurement, delivery and management. Combining clinical, political and economic arguments, he then proposes his own economic analysis of the NHS, 'derived not from classical theory but from experience of the real health care economy'. The author's aim is to provide 'a big picture' for students, academics, health professionals and NHS users that will inspire them to challenge received wisdoms about how the NHS should develop in the twenty-first century. The Political Economy Of Health Care Is A Passionate Analysis Of The Historical Development, Current State And Potential Future Shape Of The National Health Service (nhs) By Distinguished Doctor And Author, Julian Tudor Hart. Drawing On Many Years Of Clinical Experience, Tudor Hart Sets Out To Explore How The Nhs Might Be Reconstituted As A Humane Service For All (rather Than A Profitable One For The Few) And A Civilising Influence On Society As A Whole.--jacket. The National Health Service As A Creative System -- What Does The Nhs Create? -- How Does The Nhs Create? -- Ownership -- Solidarity -- The Nhs As Seed Of Future Society. Julian Tudor Hart. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 269-300) And Indexes. Drawing on clinical experience dating from the birth of the NHS in 1948, Julian Tudor Hart, a politically active GP in a Welsh coal mining community, charts the progress of the NHS from its 19th century origins in workers' mutual aid societies, to its current forced return to the market. His starting point is a detailed analysis of how clinical decisions are made. He explores the changing social relationships in the NHS as a gift economy, how these may be affected by reducing care to commodity status, and the new directions they might take if the NHS resumed progress independently from the market. Offers an analysis of the historical development, this book explores how the National Health Service (NHS) might be reconstituted as a humane service for all, and a civilising influence on society as a whole. It is useful for students, academics, health professionals, and NHS users.