Health – Decentralisation

Decentralisation is on the agenda for the NHS because of its potential to create more efficient and integrated services closely fitted to local need. But critics worry that it will become yet another damaging and distracting top-down re-organisation leading to the accountability and quality of leadership, as well as the equity of access to services, being compromised. These briefings consider the potential advantages and disadvantages of devolution, and how the transition might best be managed to maximise benefit for patients. The experiences of Denmark and Finland are considered because each country’s health system is highly decentralised, allowing us to anticipate what potential risks as well as benefits England could experience if it were to embark upon the road to devolved healthcare.

For further information on our research or for other health related inquiries please contact Healthcare Researcher Edmund Stubbs at edmund.stubbs@civitas.org.uk.

Reports