Working in a climate of change: how can a future NHS be sustained?

By Dr Ross Millar, Director of Health Services Management Centre, University of Birmingham The NHS has continued to evolve and reform over its 75 years of existence. But perhaps now more than ever questions are being raised about its future sustainability. The organisational climate of the NHS – often defined as the shared perceptions of … Continue reading “Working in a climate of change: how can a future NHS be sustained?”

The NHS White Paper: evolution or revolution?

By Professor Judith Smith, Director of Health Services Management Centre and Professor Robin Miller, Head of Department, Social Work and Social Care, University of Birmingham.  NHS White Papers seem to fall into two categories.  First, landmark ones that signal major change of direction and upheaval (can you remember where you were when you heard about … Continue reading “The NHS White Paper: evolution or revolution?”

The impact of Covid-19 on primary care practitioners: transformation, upheaval and uncertainty

Co-authored by Professor Judith Smith and Emily Burn  Health Services Management Centre, University of Birmingham. “As we face the second wave of Covid-19 this winter and the increased clinical pressures that this will surface, primary care remains in a state of uncertainty and flux.” The Covid-19 pandemic has had a great impact on almost all … Continue reading “The impact of Covid-19 on primary care practitioners: transformation, upheaval and uncertainty”

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?”

Lifestyle choice does not explain a 17-year life expectancy gap

By Dr Kayleigh Garthwaite, Birmingham Fellow Department of Social Policy, Sociology and Criminology, University of Birmingham When a researcher at BBC’s Panorama got in touch with me to say they were making a programme about health inequalities in Stockton, I had mixed feelings. Just three years before, the second series of the popular ‘poverty porn’ … Continue reading “Lifestyle choice does not explain a 17-year life expectancy gap”