Thinking the Unthinkable – The NHS

In this provocative and timely talk Tim Knox – Director of the renowned right-wing Think Tank, the Centre for Policy Studies – will address the future of the NHS head-on. Is it possible to profoundly rethink our emotional support of the NHS and to bring about a revolution in health and social care in the UK?

Politicians from all the main political parties – other than the left – have embraced the need for greater private sector involvement in our health and social care services.  Most politicians understand that these services are in need of top-rate management, discipline and levels of investment – otherwise our ageing population and unhealthy lifestyles, proliferation of chronic diseases and increasing expectations will send these critical services into melt-down.

Even though UK ranks in the WHO’s top 20 of the world’s best healthcare systems providers. The outcomes for those with lower incomes are particularly poor. So, should it be appropriate to consider whether there are other models which we can consider? After all, the staunchest defenders of the NHS must admit that it is a system that is so admired that no other country has copied it.

If greater private involvement is the answer, can innovative regulatory and financial structures be envisaged that overcome understandable concerns of the profit-motive driving such a basic need in all of us? Can new technology be used to promote, via financial incentives, healthy lifestyles and reduce expensive medical treatment? Can we handle end-of-life scenarios a whole lot better? Should the appointment of a Royal Commission on the long-term future of the NHS be the first step in considering the need and purpose of reform? And are any changes required to garner at least some cross-party support and some long-term thinking?

This event will be chaired by Nick Cohen.