Changes in Healthcare During the Past 30 Years: Can the National Health Service in the United Kingdom Survive?

At the turn of the century, the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom (UK) was considered one of the top public healthcare systems in the world. Not only was it comprehensive and inclusive, but it was also free at the point of delivery for the entire UK population. It was also largely available to visitors and the families of residents that lived outside the UK. During the past 30 years, the NHS has received more and more funding both in cash terms and as a percentage of the gross national product. Despite this, the general consensus is that the NHS is delivering a poor service. The current government is facing unprecedented strike action from all areas of the workforce including doctors and nurses. This editorial asks the following questions: Where has the money gone? What has caused the current crisis? Can the current NHS model survive in today’s highly technological healthcare environment?