The reform of the reform of the British National Health Service

Abstract

Beginning with a reminder of the main features and effects of the profound changes to the NHS made by the Conservative government in 1990, this account then reviews the incoming Labour government's proposals as set out in the White Paper "The New NHS." An analysis, based on the formal response of the NHS Consultants' Association to the White Paper, welcomes many of the new initiatives but shows how the Conservative "Internal Market" is being modified, not removed, and the proposals fall short of restoring the public service ethos. In conclusion, the arguments and strategy being employed by the Association are described.