Chapter Summary

This chapter describes:

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  how the NHS is worth studying because it:

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    provides universal healthcare at a low cost;
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    is a major employer;
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    is where healthcare providers negotiate their own professional interests;
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    is the market for providers of services, medical technology and pharmaceuticals;
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    is an important symbol of a British way of life to which great loyalty is shown;
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  how the NHS is somewhat unresponsive to patient needs and changes in clinical practice;
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  how reforms that have sought to address this have resulted in a power shift towards general practice and management.