BMJ 1999;319:1588-1589 ( 18 December )

Editorials

The NHS as a theological institution

The ideal remains strong, but the practice too has to measure up

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

"I believe with perfect faith in the NHS, in its ability to provide all health care for all people free at the point of use, in its ability to be equitable, fair, and compassionate, in its capacity to be efficient and effective, and, above all, in its capacity to give patients and users choices about the sorts of services they should receive."

The NHS is like a theological institution. Its adherents, most of the population of the United Kingdom, believe in it passionately. Politicians who itch to reform it find themselves hopelessly out of sympathy with public opinion. Like the BBC, the NHS is an institution that binds the people of the UK together. It is seen to be fair, there when you need it, and the best in the world if you are seriously ill. No matter that the evidence is not necessarily there. Like theological belief, belief in . . . [Full text of this article]
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This article has been cited by other articles:

  • Keeley, P. (2006). The Philosophy of Palliative Care: Critique and Reconstruction. BMJ 332: 800-800 [Full text]  
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