All News analysis articles – Page 3
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NewsCongratulations - you're the new health secretary
You are responsible for a £110bn budget and the health of the nation, but with an average of only two years in the job there is no time to lose. Andy McKeon describes what you should expect in your first days as secretary of state for health
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NewsNorman Lamb interview: the Liberal Democrats' health policy priorities
If Liberal Democrat health spokesman Norman Lamb once felt ignored by the health world, he is clearly now enjoying the limelight generated by talk of a hung parliament.
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NewsElection 2010: fight for marginal puts hospitals in the hot seat
Neck and neck competition between political parties in marginal constituencies is leaving acute trusts braced for the political heat. Sally Gainsbury identifies the trusts to watch
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NewsHospital closures: the taboo has been broken
At the first whisper of a service or hospital closing, local campaigners and politicians launch vociferous protests. But despite this opposition the idea that we need fewer hospitals and beds is gathering momentum, writes Richard Vize
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NewsNHS innovation: can the health service drive new ideas?
The NHS has grown used to a pattern of crisis followed by review followed by reform - yet many fundamentals remain little changed. Will the past keep shaping the NHS of the future or will the service explore different paths, asks Nigel Edwards
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NHS finance directors feel a distinct nip in the air
Chill winds are blowing through acute and PCT forecasts for their organisations over the next year - with recruitment freezes the most dramatic trend. Sally Gainsbury reports on HSJ’s latest survey of finance directors’ outlook
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NewsHow Labour saved the NHS from the brink
Nigel Crisp believes that when Labour inherited the NHS in 1997 it was ‘falling apart’. After four years away from the service the former chief executive reflects on the successes of the last 13 years - and the missed opportunities. By Alastair McLellan
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NewsNHS is yet to capture the wealth of the net
Texting appointment reminders is a good start but the health service lags far behind leading industries in exploiting the rich potential of the digital revolution, reports Dave West
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NewsUS healthcare: a proposal that speaks to the heart of America
Despite recent setbacks, Barack Obama still holds out audacious hope for US healthcare. But as opposition continues to undermine his position, the president has a monumental battle on his hands to get meaningful reform, says Douglas Noble
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NewsMarmot might be fair, but will it be feasible?
The Marmot report, probably the most important document on health inequalities for 30 years, was published last month. But can its recommendations become reality? Steve Ford reports
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NewsNHS managers may be heroes of the moment
Despite their endless depiction by the media and politicians as a scourge on the health service, research is showing that where numbers of NHS managers are strong, efficiency is often found working alongside quality. Charlotte Santry reports
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NewsNHS car parking: driven to distraction
Hospital car parking has become an impassioned talking point. While it may seem a side issue to the real work of healthcare, the heated arguments over charging won’t subside until policies are seen as fair and fixed, writes Joe Farrington-Douglas
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NewsAndrew Lansley points to joint powers in public health
Shadow health secretary Andrew Lansley wants a Conservative government to keep a firm hand on public health. In a joint interview with HSJ and sister title Local Government Chronicle, he tells Rebecca Evans how local collaboration will be vital
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NewsNHS quality accounts: quality is becoming an accountable business
This year will see the first tranche of reports intended to show how trusts are engaging with quality across all their services. Dave West looks at how this could represent a step change in health organisations’ accountability
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NewsBill Moyes takes pride in rocking the foundations
Monitor executive chair Bill Moyes leaves the foundation trust regulator this week with no regrets about his stormy journey, as he tells Sally Gainsbury in his final interview
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NewsFour countries’ pulses beat to different tunes
The devolved nations of the NHS are showing striking contrasts in productivity and performance, with Scotland’s policy paths in particular appearing to have led its services into a much less healthy state than England’s. Alison Moore reports
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NewsMid Staffs looks for courage to confront poor standards
Mid Staffordshire Foundation Trust chief executive Antony Sumara is convinced its turnaround - after it was branded ‘appalling’ by inspectors - depends on staff becoming brave enough to confront poor standards openly. Dave West reports
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NewsAndy Burnham gets personal with tailored care drive
Last month’s five year NHS strategy gave fresh political impetus for the NHS to provide more personalised care. Vital to making this happen will be a combination of consistent quality and collaboration with the patient, finds Moya Sarner
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NewsReview of 2009: a swine of a year for Mid Staffs, Rose Gibb and the public purse
It had it all: an inspiring comeback at Brent, a bruising scandal at Mid Staffordshire, a constitution, a pandemic, financial collapse, a war of words with some meddling Republicans and rather a lot of departures. Ah, 2009: Richard Vize is missing it already
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NewsTory pledge on NHS targets might not hit the spot
As the Conservatives promise voters a shift from targets to a service shaped by outcome measures and what patients say about their healthcare experience, Alison Moore looks at why many managers are sceptical about the idea