Independence of the NHS from politics

• The NHS is currently run by the state and is therefore influenced by elections and term length, a disincentive for long-term planning. A change to an independent NHS, not restricted by the UK or EU governments, allows better planning for the long term. There is cross-party consensus to plan the health service on a longer term, such as 20 years. By removing health decision-making from the government, long-term workforce planning allows a focus on the delivery of healthcare instead of political machinations.

Proposed workforce impact

• Better planning, stability and clarity around career options and choices could occur.

Sources or references

• Stakeholder interviews

Additional research questions

• If it was not politicians, who would be responsible for an NHS paid out of taxation?

Some of the information in this section is provided by stakeholders and expert groups, and does not necessarily represent the views of the CfWI.