The Structure of the NHS
The National Health Service (NHS) offers free healthcare to all UK residents. The United Kingdom consists of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. In each country, the structure of the NHS differs slightly.
England
In England, the NHS is the responsibility of the Department of Health. One cabinet minister from the department is the acting secretary of state for health, who reports to the prime minister on matters of national health and the National Health Service. The Department of Health, or DH, is responsible for the ten 'strategic' health authorities, or SHAs. These SHAs supervise the local NHS Trusts, monitor the health service in areas of England and report back to the department of health on any progress and/or problems.
The NHS has a range of trusts in any one area of the UK; different trusts are responsible for different aspects of the health service, such as Hospital Trusts or Mental Health Trusts. The trusts have several specialised directors, who liaise with representative local health practitioners to ensure that the service is running smoothly. The trusts also liaise with Non-NHS organisations such as independent hospitals, to ensure a uniform service. Any problems or concerns are reported back to the SHAs, who may forward the information to the Department of Health if necessary.
NHS Foundation Trusts aim to give local communities more decision-making power, rather than leaving power in the hands of central government. The Foundation Trusts have a key role in managing hospitals. Rather than report to the Strategic Health Authorities, Foundation Trusts are monitored by an independent regulator who then reports to central government.
For details of the structure of the NHS in other areas of the UK see:
