Creating an NHS fit for the 21st century

When the Labour government was elected in 1945 with a pledge to implement the Beveridge Report recommendation to create “comprehensive health and rehabilitation services for prevention and cure of disease”, few could have predicted the manner in which the subsequently-created National Health Service would evolve into its present state.

Every aspect of health care, from the most prevalent illnesses to the manner of their treatment, has changed beyond the recognition of those with such noble aims in the post-war years.

Previously-unimagined factors from changes in diet to increasing lifespans are putting a huge strain on public health budgets which cannot hope to rise at the rate needed to meet the costs.

At some stage, the NHS has to say enough is enough and change the traditional way in which it has ministered to the nation’s health woes.

NHS Tayside has grasped the nettle and is keen to ensure the public is aware of the transformation it will see in services over the next decade.

The Courier has been given a fascinating glimpse into that change programme and terms such as “social prescribing” and “realistic medicine” will soon pass into common usage.

Health chiefs are adamant the status quo is no longer a viable option and this week, they will explain why.