The structure of the NHS in England
This briefing provides an overview of funding and accountability arrangements within the NHS in England. It also highlights issues including patient safety, NHS funding and performance.
Overview
The NHS was founded in 1948, after Parliament passed the National Health Service Act in 1946
Over the years, the NHS has evolved in response to the needs of successive generations, including delivering Europe’s first liver transplant in 1968, the world’s first CT scan on a patient in 1971, and more recently the world’s first rapid whole genome sequencing service for seriously ill babies and children.
Find a selection of research from the Commons Library on the NHS, including statistics, current services and challenges.
-
-
NHS key statistics: England
Summary of NHS demand, performance, backlogs, and capacity of services in England. It covers A&E waiting times, hospital waiting lists, cancer waiting times, ambulance response times, staffing levels including doctors and nurses, vacancies, and more.
-
NHS industrial action in England
Industrial action has been taking place across the NHS in England. This briefing looks at when and why action has been taken and explains the latest pay deals.
-
NHS staff from overseas: statistics
Nearly one in five NHS staff in England report a nationality other than British. This briefing has statistics on the nationality of NHS staff for doctors, nurses and other groups, figures on EU nationals, and changes since the Brexit vote.
-
General Debate on the future of the NHS, its funding and staffing
A General Debate on on the future of the NHS, its funding and staffing has been scheduled for Thursday 23 February. This debate will take place in the Chamber.
-
NHS dentistry in England
An overview of NHS dentistry in England, including a discussion of current challenges facing providers and the Government response.
Health research from the Library
-
Health
Explore more health research from the House of Commons Library.
-
Health services
Explore more health services research from the House of Commons Library.
-
Health data
Explore more health data research from the House of Commons Library.