Power and politics in UK mental health services

Hurford, G., 2001. Power and politics in UK mental health services. PhD, Nottingham Trent University.

Preview

Text 10183155.pdf - Published version Download (30MB) | Preview

Abstract

This thesis explores the way that policy has worked in UK mental health services, over the last twenty years. It constructs a framework for analysing three stages of policy making: namely policy initiation, policy formulation and policy implementation. Three levels of policy activity are also identified; these are located at the Macro, national level, the Meso, district health authority (DHA) level and the Micro, provider level. A matrix is then built up that facilitates an exploration of policy activity within and between these stages and levels. The study looked at the policy activity of managers and civil servants in the Department of Health, four DHAs and four provider units, as well as two mental health pressure groups. Research methods included participant observation, interviews, documentary analysis and questionnaires. The main findings of the study are that, historically, no level has held a monopoly on power or influence in the policy process, that the hitherto unsung role of the Meso level has been crucial for policy success, and that managers' abilities to shape their organisations decline above the Meso level. Since a new Labour Government came to power in 1997, however, the Macro level has begun to dominate the policy process. The ensuing 'top down' approach to policy formulation is ensuring uniformity of service, but may be stifling creativity. Policy activity is becoming less than the sum of its parts.

Item Type:	Thesis
Creators:	Hurford, G.
Date:	2001
ISBN:	9781369314311
Identifiers:	Number Type PQ10183155 Other
Divisions:	Schools > School of Social Sciences
Record created by:	Linda Sullivan
Date Added:	18 Sep 2020 10:50
Last Modified:	26 Jul 2023 12:35
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/40805

Actions (login required)

Edit View

Views

Downloads