For almost all of the post-war period, death rates have been falling steadily in England and Wales. Yet 2015 saw the third largest year-on-year rise, with no immediate explanation.
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This report uses findings from the Care Quality Commission’s new inspection regime for private hospitals to show that there continue to be risks to patient safety associated with the distinctive nature of private hospitals in England, compared with the NHS.
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As the NHS turns 70 there is great interest in comparisons between the NHS and other health systems, but what key points need to be kept in mind?
Read MoreThe Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF), the pay-for-performance protocol in general practice, has been the subject of significant debate since it was rolled out in 2004. At the core of the debate is whether the quality of general practice can be quantified for the purposes of performance management.
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Misuse of information in discussions about the spending and performance of the NHS is all too common: the future of the NHS relies on getting the basic facts right.
Read MoreNick Taylor surveys the impact of outsourcing welfare programmes, and Marianna Fotaki considers the lessons for the NHS
Read MoreJonathon Tomlinson reflects on the difficulties of measuring the quality of general practice and the prospects of improvement.
Read MoreWill CQC ratings really tell patients how well a service is doing?
Read MoreHalting the rising number of suicides by mentally ill patients depends on action to secure adequate reporting.
Read MoreAre the relatively high English death rates from cancer a statistical illusion?
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