
The New Politics of the NHS
From Creation to Reinvention
CRC Press
8th Edition
Will be published approx. on 25. November 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
322 pages
978-1-032-79317-7 (ISBN)
Description
Since it was first published more than 40 years ago, The New Politics of the NHS has become established as the key overview of the NHS, its processes and its paths of influence, providing a clear, easy-to-read guide to often complex debates. This eighth edition continues to encompass both the background of the evolution of the NHS since its foundation, while also providing a picture of its present and future in a more pluralistic and financially austere era in which deference to medical expertise continues to erode and information on health and care is accessible to all, while at the same time scepticism and misinformation abound.
Reflecting events since the turn of the millennium and under successive government administrations, including strategies for coping with a new, much harsher economic environment, new chapters describe events in the past decade, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the latest change in government.
Assuming no prior knowledge of NHS politics and systems, The New Politics of the NHS focuses on management, structure, centralisation, funding, economic performance, challenges, current party-political debates, interest groups and rationing, and, ultimately, on the NHS's institutional and cultural continuity as a tax-funded service providing comprehensive, universal health care that remains free at the point of delivery. The new edition is a vital update for all healthcare professionals, NHS managers, policy-makers and shapers, and those in special interest groups including patient advocacy organisations and remains essential reading for anyone interested in developing a better understanding of modern healthcare delivery.
Reflecting events since the turn of the millennium and under successive government administrations, including strategies for coping with a new, much harsher economic environment, new chapters describe events in the past decade, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the latest change in government.
Assuming no prior knowledge of NHS politics and systems, The New Politics of the NHS focuses on management, structure, centralisation, funding, economic performance, challenges, current party-political debates, interest groups and rationing, and, ultimately, on the NHS's institutional and cultural continuity as a tax-funded service providing comprehensive, universal health care that remains free at the point of delivery. The new edition is a vital update for all healthcare professionals, NHS managers, policy-makers and shapers, and those in special interest groups including patient advocacy organisations and remains essential reading for anyone interested in developing a better understanding of modern healthcare delivery.
More details
Edition
8th edition
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Academic and Professional Reference
Dimensions
Height: 244 mm
Width: 170 mm
Thickness: 18 mm
Weight
581 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-032-79317-7 (9781032793177)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
11/2025
8th Edition
CRC Press
€63.49
Available for download

E-Book
11/2025
8th Edition
CRC Press
€63.49
Available for download

Book
approx. 11/2025
8th Edition
CRC Press
€254.20
Not yet published
Previous edition

Rudolf Klein
The New Politics of the NHS, Seventh Edition
Book
09/2013
7th Edition
CRC Press
€80.65
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Persons
Rudolf Klein is Emeritus Professor of Social Policy, Bath University, UK
Martin Powell is Emeritus Professor of Health and Social Policy, Health Services Management Centre, University of Birmingham, UK
Martin Powell is Emeritus Professor of Health and Social Policy, Health Services Management Centre, University of Birmingham, UK
Content
1. The politics of creation 2. The politics of consolidation 3. The politics of technocratic change 4. The politics of disillusionment 5. The politics of value for money 6. The politics of the big bang 7. The politics of The Third Way 8. The politics of reinvention 9. The politics of transition 10. The politics of confrontation 11. The Politics of Gridlock 12. The Politics of The Double Crisis 13. From church to garage