Swimming in the waters of a sinking National Health Service (NHS): A group analytic perspective

Abstract

This article examines the psychological effects of the reorganization of the NHS. Through a combination of theoretical and clinical perspectives, the authors describe the psychological effects of the neoliberal and privatizing policies that have changed the landmark of the NHS in England. The article uses Foulkes’ main theoretical viewpoints as well as some Bionian ideas in an attempt to illustrate the losses, challenges, tensions and opportunities that the NHS has experienced in the face of change and pressure. The ultimate aim is to describe how group analytic theory and technique could aid understanding of, and thereby alleviate, some of the pain that the organization has endured through this process.