(7) NHS Structure & Management

Question 1

What are the core principles of the NHS?

Answer 1

• Universal (For everyone)
• Comprehensive (For any health needs)
• Free at point of delivery

Question 2

Why is the NHS not wholy free as it was originally planned?

Answer 2

In 1950/60s, more patients come toward to require health needs as they could afford it now. (It was free now).

Question 3

Describe how commissioning occurs in this current government (2014).

Answer 3

• GPs (made up of Clinical Commissioning Groups) refer patients to the providers
• Each provider profits or pays from the differences between the National Tariff (the set amount of each procedure costs)
• The commissions to the GPs come from the National Board (NHS England)

Question 4

Describe the central differences between medical and clinical directors.

Answer 4

Medical Director
- Responsible for the Quality of the Trust
- One clinical doctor per Trust
- Sits above the Clinical Director
Clinical Directors
- Enforcing the policy made by Medical Director
- Many clinical doctors per Trust
- Director of the directory (speciality)
- Decide medical education and carry out audits and design policy
- Sit above many different departments in the speciality

Question 5

Describe the different levels that oversee clinical commissioning groups.

Answer 5

• Secretary State of Health: whole system
• Department of Health: sees National Commissioning Board
• National Commissioning Board (NHS England): sees Clinical Commissioning Groups

Question 6

Describe the main changes introduced by the “Health and Social Care Act of 2012”.

Answer 6

• Devolves power (especially commissioning) to GPs and others in the primary care
• Shakes up NHS organisational structure significantly
• Secretary of State must attempt to secure continuous improvements in the quality of services provided to individuals.