To examine health policy as it has evolved with the creation of the NHS.

Assignment Brief

Health Policy:

HS5106:

Introduction to the MODULE                                                                      

This guide will take you thought the work that you will be required to do to pass your assessments for this module.  You will appreciated that the subject of health policy is in almost constant change and it is important that you understand the main themes of these NHS change and the reasons for them. The guide is dynamic and as policy leaders come to talk to you there will likely to be additional sources of policy material.  You are advised to keep in touch with the module site as source of up to date information.  There is also the Twitter feed on to the site. You will be expected to attend to the material to be prepared each week.  Perhaps not all the sources every week but you should, be able to spent time preparing for your seminars. There will be an electronic register in each room you attend and so make sure you “swipe” your student card on each occasion. 

The module will ensure that when you seek employment in the NHS and related service sectors you are up to date with health issues and concerns as well as organisational structures. Each week there will be a lecture and related seminar/ student activity.  Preparing for your seminar will enable you to understand the lecture better.

MODULE AIMS

To examine health policy as it has evolved with the creation of the NHS.

To review current health policies and related these to need at the local level.

To evaluate the 2013 NHS reforms and their implementation.

To investigate health care outside the NHS

MODULE LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of this module, students will be able to:

Knowledge

1. Identify the main features of the National Health Service.
2. Understand how health reforms have change local delivery of health care.

Thinking skills

1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the NHS reforms
2. Critically evaluate the changes to the NHS at the local level.

Subject-based practical skills

1. Work with health policy leaders and innovators.
2. Review alternatives to traditional care delivery services.
3. Appreciate the role of health commissioners

Skills for life and work (general skills)

1. Carry out literature searches using on-line facilities.
2. Use the web for information gathering and communication

Sample Answer

Health Policy Assignment: HS5106

Introduction

This paper aims to provide a clear understanding of the UK health policy system, mainly focusing on the National Health Service (NHS). Health policy is an area that is always changing due to political, social, and economic factors. This assignment will explain how the NHS was created, how it has changed over time, especially with the 2013 reforms, and how health services outside the NHS function. It will also discuss the role of health commissioners and introduce some alternatives to traditional care services.

Main Features of the NHS

The NHS was created in 1948 with the goal of providing free healthcare to everyone, based on need rather than the ability to pay. Key features include:

• Funded mainly through taxation

• Free at the point of delivery

• Covers a wide range of services (GP, hospital care, dental, optical, and mental health services)

• Managed by different NHS organisations at national and local levels

The NHS is one of the largest employers in the world and is often seen as a symbol of fairness and equality in UK society.

Health Reforms and Local Healthcare Delivery

Health reforms have happened often to make the NHS more efficient and responsive to local needs. One major change came with the Health and Social Care Act 2012, which was implemented in 2013. This act:

• Gave more power to local Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs)

• Reduced the role of the Department of Health

• Increased competition and allowed more private providers to deliver NHS services

Locally, these reforms changed how services are planned and delivered. Local authorities gained a bigger role in public health, and patients were promised more choice and control over their care.

Continued...