Private complaints and public health
Richard Titmuss on the National Health Service
Edited by Ann Oakley and Jonathan Barker
Published
Jun 30, 2004Page count
256 pagesISBN
978-1861345608Dimensions
240 x 172 mmImprint
Policy PressPublished
Jun 30, 2004Page count
256 pagesISBN
978-1861345615Dimensions
240 x 172 mmImprint
Policy Press
Private complaints and public health
Richard Titmuss was one of the 20th century's foremost social policy theorists. This accessible Reader is the first compendium of his work on public health, health promotion and health inequalities.
Most of Titmuss's work has been out of print for many years. This volume, like its predecessor, Welfare and wellbeing (The Policy Press, 2001), is important in bringing the work of this highly influential thinker to the attention of a new generation of social policy students and policy makers. It also enhances current debates about how complex societies can best provide for the health of all their citizens.
"With the NHS undergoing the most fundamental change in its 56 year history, this book is a timely reminder of important policy dilemmas that we ignore at our peril. This collection of Titmuss's writings brings together remarkably prescient commentaries on aspects of health, health care, and the NHS." British Medical Journal
"... extremely well put together. The contributor commentaries provide a contemporary perspective and the extensive cross-referencing helps the reader to locate specific information. In consequence, the book is both thoughtful and thought provoking." Journal of Social Policy
"The selection of Titmuss's writings in the book under review demonstrate the range, scope and depth of his work on the organization and delivery of health care, and the humane spirit in which he writes. ... They show his ability to identify issues which still have much resonance and relevance today: notably inequalities in health." Health Economics, Policy and Law
"Those who plan more 'modernisation' would do well to read and heed Titmuss's wise counsel. The implications for the medical care of older people are only too clear from the picture he paints. So too would many current academics, practitioners and students profit from reading this splendid book." Ageing & Society
"It is important that students have access to the original writing of the 'greats' in social policy. This book, combining Titmuss's essays with contemporary commentaries by eminent academics, is an excellent example of how best to do this." Martin Powell, Department of Social and Policy Sciences, University of Bath
Ann Oakley is Professor of Sociology and Social Policy at the UCL Social Research Institute.
Jonathan Barker directed the Age Concern Research Unit from 1979 to 1986, co-founded the Institute of Gerontology at King’s College and now directs Far-sight Research.
