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Commentators have argued that we have entered a new era of migration described by Vertovec as a ‘transformative diversification of diversity’. Multiple variables of difference in the ethnicity, immigration status, rights and entitlements, age and gender profiles and patterns of distribution, of new migrants mean that the UK, and many other EU countries, are now home to the most diverse population ever experienced. The onset of super-diversity challenges traditional multicultural models of welfare provision originally based upon an understanding of migrants as large and geographically contained clusters of predominantly postcolonial migrants. These changes are occurring at a time when migration has become highly politicized, multiculturalism is being questioned, a shift is under way towards assimilation and welfare provision has become re-racialized. This paper argues that models of welfare provision need to be rethought to take into account the new reality of super-diversity in a way that is affordable, politically acceptable and meets the needs of all. Using data from research undertaken from studies of health service provision in the West Midlands the paper explores the challenges of meeting the needs of new migrants under existing provision, the costs of failing to adapt to super-diversity and the reasons why provision has failed to adapt. The paper concludes by arguing the need for different approaches to provision, and suggesting some new ways forward. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper examines some fundamental issues pertaining to the use of, as well as to the distinctive characteristics of, information technology in relation to the development of information systems within the UK National Health Service (NHS). The paper refers to the current Resource Management initiative in the NHS, which involves the fabrication of information systems to connect medical activity to resource usage, and thus to costs. Examining the features of some of the rival inscriptions undergoing development of make this connection visible, the paper highlights the properties of information technology in enhancing their mobilization. It also addresses the immutability and combinability of these inscriptions, and discusses some of the implications, in terms of medical practice and knowledge, which may follow from their use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This piece has been written in response to a recent article published in the Times Higher Education Supplement (THES) which exposed the red tape restricting health research in the UK's National Health Service (NHS). Whilst the THES article was critical of NHS ethical review and research governance, it still views a streamlined version of the process as necessary for the protection of researchers and respondents. Drawing on the recent experience of applying for ethical approval and research governance for a qualitative study on gender and genetics, this paper examines the review process and the restrictive paperwork and procedures that surround it, focusing in particular on the impact this has on social science research. The argument will be put forward that while all research, whether clinical or social, is hampered by the bureaucracy surrounding the review process, social research is further alienated by it. This is because the paperwork and processes involved are set up to evaluate clinical, not social, research. Furthermore, the process is caught up in a culture of fear that breeds mistrust towards ‘outsiders’ wishing to conduct research in the NHS. The revision of NHS ethical review has to go further than mere bureaucratic streamlining - it needs to be made more relevant and accessible to health researchers working across a range of disciplines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers a report on the Crofton v National Health Service Litigation Authority case. The section examines the correct approach in assessing the cost of care following the Court of Appeal decision on the case. It lists several potential mechanisms for resolving the current complexities, prior to the closure of the DCA consultation.

The New Labour government would have appeared to have demonstrated a strong commitment to the state health care sector since coming to power in 1997. It has more than doubled spending on the National Health Service, and this investment is projected to rise over the next four years. However, whether this 'modernization strategy' will be able to deliver a more equitable health care service in New Labour's third term in office is open to question. In addition, the expanding role of the private health care sector in a revived 'internal market' in health care raises serious concerns about the future direction of state health care provision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NHS Direct, the 24-hour telephone helpline, uses modern communications technology to offer easier and faster access to advice about health, illness and the NHS so that people are better able to care for themselves and their families. In-depth interviews with callers to the service show that they bring with them discourses of the 'deserving' and 'undeserving' familiar in the provision of other welfare services. The figure of the 'time-waster' is the NHS equivalent of the welfare 'scrounger', acting as a mechanism to problematize entitlement. NHS Direct dispels such fears and legitimizes demand. At the same time, ever-rising levels of service use constitute a threat to what callers value most about it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes the British Commission for Health Improvement's (CHI) overall responsibilities and illustrates its approach with reference to its clinical governance reviews. The aim of CHI is to help the National Health Service (NHS) organizations improve the quality of their services to the benefit of patients. The four functions of CHI are cited. It discusses the model of clinical governance of the CHI.

The article reports on the advancement of evidence-based healthcare (EBH) in the National Health Service (NHS) of Great Britain. Clinical effectiveness and EBH have been the focus of the NHS for the last five years. In 1991 the NHS launched a research and development program in order to make the NHS an EBH service. Results of the survey conducted by the authors suggest that clinical effectiveness was not a regular topic of board discussions of health authorities and NHS trusts.

Will healthcare be drowned by the grey Tsunami or sunk by the demographic iceberg? Or will new and radical, economic, medical, nutritional, exercise and life style developments, produce a better economic model for future healthcare. A properly funded Health Service rather than an over Politicised Failing Sickness service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information on the systems of accountability in the context of the National Health Service (NHS) of Great Britain. The NHS has introduced initiatives in response to pressures of accountability. General practitioners play an important role in the nation's health care system. A number of NHS trusts are run by boards of directors. There are several methods of accountability practiced in Great Britain.

The article discusses a variety of issues concerning the costs of private health care in Great Britain. The problems facing National Health Service patients are explored. The link between the independent health sector and the public healthcare sector is described. The contributions of the Independent Healthcare Association to the primary health care sector are highlighted.

The article argues that the document "Building a Safer National Health Service for Patients," issued by the British Department of Health, is defective in that it does not mention patient compensation. The document proposes the creation of a National Patient Safety Agency and explains how adverse incidents and near misses will be reported, analyzed and used to monitor standards of safety. However, the document fail to mention compensation for patients. The omission may be due to the desire to create a no-blame culture.