Why do most capitalist economies have socialist health care systems? How can we preserve them? What would Aneurin Bevan think? These are the three main questions addressed by this book.

In the 1950s, through In Place of Fear, Bevan made a strong case for a National Health Service which he had been instrumental in establishing in the UK in 1948. But he did not articulate the accompanying economic case. That case is presented here in an accessible way and extended to social care. A comprehensive understanding of ‘tried and tested’ means of financing health care is then presented, alongside assessments of repeated and new approaches proposed in policy circles as quick fixes to funding shortfalls. This is tackled across four themes: the role of the private sector in health and social care provision; frameworks for making choices in the face of resource scarcity; workforce planning and remuneration; and preparation for future pandemics. The emerging proposals carry a cost to the public purse. But, this needs to weighed against the costs and unfairness of further disintegration.

With a special focus on the UK and the NHS, at a critical time for policy change, this book argues that clinical leadership and politicians need to pay more attention to the economic issues underlying health and social care. For those policymakers, seeking a blueprint for health and social care, this book is essential reading as they shape In Place of Fear 2.0.