One of the characteristics of contemporary debates about health policy is the strength of the views of those who participate in those debates. Controversy is the norm and opinions on what government should do to tackle the problems of the NHS are numerous. This book endeavours to stand above these debates, reflecting the variety of views that exist in the health policy community but resisting the temptation to take sides.

This updated new edition offers an introduction to health policy in the UK, covering both the substance of health policy and the process of health policy-making and implementation. It covers the organisation of the NHS, its history and development, showing how policies are made and implemented in central government and in NHS bodies. It examines the auditing and evaluation of health policy, considering which groups have power over policy-making. This book's main concern is the politics of health care: who decides, who benefits and who controls health services. It examines both the micro and macro levels of health policy, considering, for example the influence that doctors and nurses have in policy-making.

Analysing major developments since the last edition published in 2009, this edition offers:

- A dedicated chapter on the Covid pandemic
- Expanded coverage of the devolved nations - their similarities and divergences
- Additional coverage of psychology, mental health, health inequalities and the broader social context of public health
- Coverage of all recent developments in the policy making process, including the role of NHS England and shifting approaches to NHS reform