Love is not a marketable commodity: new public management in the British National Health Service

This paper describes the historical developments and current role of new public management (NPM) in the British National Health Service (NHS). It is argued that NPM concern for efficiency improvements has resulted in threats to equality and needs-based service delivery. The relevance of NPM values to health care and nursing is explored. Finally, comments are provided on how nurses can advocate for a more loving NHS environment, and one which is therefore more conducive to nurse and patient health.