'Socialism in one NHS!'

Abstract

British society is in the main securely embedded within capitalism, but the British public still strongly believes that health services should be distributed with 'equal access for all free at the point of need' and actively support the NHS. How far can this principle thrive or survive in a capitalist society? Three main areas are identified in which there could be an improvement in the performance of the NHS. Firstly, there are parts of the NHS experience where the understanding of the importance of use value could be extended through a greater recognition of the role of patients, relatives and carers in providing care. Secondly, the NHS needs to become less hierarchical, and to allow patients' carers and the community access to more knowledge and capacity so that they will be better able to deliver their part of healthcare. Thirdly, a more proactive NHS could have a greater impact on the inequalities of health that exist in our society.