By Professor Peter Hupe, Honorary Senior Research Fellow School of Social Policy, University of Birmingham In times of crisis, people tend to look upward. They expect that elected leaders will get them out of the crisis. In turn, political authorities and public officials tend to adopt a straightforwardly top-down approach when exercising control. This ‘hierarchical … Continue reading “How do we get out of lockdown? The five Cs of a realistic exit strategy”
Category: Health
3 ways Covid-19 is helping to shine a spotlight on care workers
By Nick Le Mesurier and Dr Denise Tanner Department of Social Work and Social Care, University of Birmingham “The care worker may be the only person they see all day or even all week. It is not just the help with the basics of personal care that is important – getting washed, dressed and to … Continue reading “3 ways Covid-19 is helping to shine a spotlight on care workers”
What does the 2020 Budget mean for health and social care?
By Professor Judith Smith, Director of Health Services Management Centre School of Social Policy, University of Birmingham For the NHS, there were in effect two Budgets: one for the short-to-medium-term to address the Coronavirus crisis, and the other to continue with the previously announced five-year investment in the NHS to enable it to meet its … Continue reading “What does the 2020 Budget mean for health and social care?”
Social Work Leadership – New Decade, New Agenda
By Simon Haworth, Professor Robin Miller and Dr Jason Schaub School of Social Policy, University of Birmingham We often hear of social work’s mistakes, crises and failings. It is therefore easy to forget its strengths and examples of good, even great, practice. Leadership, or certainly lack of it, can be at the heart of the … Continue reading “Social Work Leadership – New Decade, New Agenda”
What can NHS leaders learn from a crisis?
By Steve Gulati, Director of Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Programme School of Social Policy, University of Birmingham The ongoing bushfire crisis in Australia has thrust the response of leaders into sharp focus, with criticism of the Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison. Whilst both the causes of and solutions to the bushfires are not the responsibility of … Continue reading “What can NHS leaders learn from a crisis?”
The NHS: What is on its Christmas election list?
By Professor Judith Smith, Director of Health Services Management Centre School of Social Policy, University of Birmingham If news stories are to be believed, it can seem as though the NHS is in a constant state of crisis. Indeed, three years ago the head of the British Red Cross caused a stir by describing the … Continue reading “The NHS: What is on its Christmas election list?”
How Do We Ensure That Primary Care in the UK Remains in Good Health?
By Professor Robin Miller School of Social Policy, University of Birmingham General practice in the United Kingdom has long had an international reputation as a positive exemplar of primary care. Free at the point of access, funded on basis of population and needs (i.e. not a fee for service), and led by clinicians, our model … Continue reading “How Do We Ensure That Primary Care in the UK Remains in Good Health?”
Budget 2018 and the NHS: the gauntlet has been thrown
By Judith Smith, Professor of Health Policy and Management Director of Health Services Management Centre, University of Birmingham In June, the Prime Minister gave the NHS what appeared to be a very generous 70th birthday present – the promise of a new long-term funding settlement worth an extra £20.5 billion a year by 2023-24. When set alongside other … Continue reading “Budget 2018 and the NHS: the gauntlet has been thrown”
Happiness is in a good book
By Rachael Hunter, Research Fellow at the Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues The child, through emulation, can develop the love of reading that the adult possesses. On the other hand, the child can enhance the adult’s virtues of open mindedness, optimism and courage, which come from a life less tainted by experience. The mental health … Continue reading “Happiness is in a good book”
Brexit’s Effect on the National Health Service and immigration
By Professor Mark Exworthy, Professor Jean McHale and Dr Nando Sigona, University of Birmingham The impact of Brexit on the NHS With six months until Brexit, the UK’s National Health Service is beset by uncertainty over staffing, patients, medicines, devices and public health, especially if there is No Deal. As 30% of NHS staff come … Continue reading “Brexit’s Effect on the National Health Service and immigration”