Main description:

For the first time in its history, this Guide also looks to the future by seeking to identify at the end of each chapter the key changes that will be introduced subject to any amendments that are agreed as the Health and Social care Bill 2011 makes its way through parliament with a What the future holdsA" section at the end of each chapter. The Introductory Guide is designed to give readers a solid grounding in - and practical understanding of - all key aspects of NHS finance. It also provides some contextual background that helps explain why the NHS is as it is today and gets to grips with the jargon that has built up around NHS finance over the years. Although the Guide focuses on the policy and organisational framework for the NHS in England, it includes chapters that highlight the key differences in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. As always, the chapters have been written in a simple, straightforward style by NHS finance practitioners and include practical examples wherever possible to help explain often complicated financing rules and regulations.
Further reference sources for those who want to delve into a subject in more detail are also provided along with a glossary and list of abbreviations.

Contents:

Background to the NHS; Funding the NHS; The Department of Health; Strategic Health Authorities; Primary Care Trusts; NHS Trusts; Foundation Trusts; Partnerships between the NHS and Local; Authorities; Public Private Partnerships; Commissioning; Costing; Payment by Results; Financial Reporting and Performance; Governance; Capital Investment; NHS Charitable Funds; Health and Personal Social Services in Northern Ireland; The NHS in Scotland; The NHS in Wales