enthusiasm can be invaluable for this . You may or may not be or have access to such a person . Maybe you could fulfil this role for others in the future ?
1.02 About this book
In this book we explore the history , structures , and finances of the NHS , along with its many challenges . Although we update it on a regular basis , ensuring the most up-todate content is problematic – if not impossible . An announcement by a senior politician , a report published by any one of a multitude of interested parties or any other breaking news story means that , in some respects , the book is always out-of-date before you have even turned a page .
This time around is an even greater challenge than we usually have . This edition is being created during Summer 2022 amidst a great deal of confusion . We believe we are through the worst of the pandemic but have huge numbers of patients who are long overdue treatment . There are massive staff shortages and members of the NHS workforce are under severe pressure to cover the gaps and to keep up .
Meanwhile , the UK Government has recently passed the Health and Care Act 2022 with fundamental changes to principles which have been guiding the function of the service in England . The Scottish Government are in the process of creating a new National Care Service . These innovations are intended to help but require significant changes to systems and working practices if they are to have any impact .
And there ’ s more . The UK is facing the worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation with spiraling inflation . Widespread industrial action is taking place and we are experiencing political turmoil . At time of writing , Boris Johnson has resigned as Prime Minister and the ruling Conservative party are in the process of choosing a new leader . Sajid Javid has also resigned as Minister for Health with Steve Baker appointed to the role . A new Prime Minister is a certainty , another new Health Minister is a probability and an early general election a real possibility . Each of these factors increase the likelihood of further major shifts in the approach to the way we finance and support the NHS .
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