The power of information: health information and UK agendas

Abstract

The Department of Health published a new health information strategy in May 2012. The document provides a framework for health information in England over the next 10 years. Health information developments in England, however, do not mirror developments in other parts of the United Kingdom. This article is a personal reflection on the new health information strategy in England, including comparison with developments in the other UK nations.Keywords: health information, NHS, public policy, UKResponsibility for the NHS has been increasingly devolved to individual UK governments, following devolution of authority for the NHS from Westminster. The Department of Health determines the strategic direction for the NHS in England. In May 2012, the Department of Health published a strategy for information, The power of information: putting all of us in control of the health and care information we need. The strategy document states that it 'focuses on information in its broadest sense, including the support people need to navigate and understand the information available ' (2012: 5).

Thirty years of practitioner‐based projects

“…In 2014, I'll be working with our Editorial Advisory Board to begin the process of planning our activities for the next 5 years starting with an in‐depth review of our achievements against the strategic plan . A quick look back suggests we achieved a great deal, with the introduction of an annual virtual issue linked to a national conference to showcase the best we have to offer while reaching out to new audiences or consolidating the existing readership, regular editorials focused on practical aspects of writing, consideration of policy and policy documents and the development of key initiatives in the health information sector, together with the events and resources to support writing, demonstrate the ongoing ambition of the journal.…”