The NHS is relying more on charities - and that might be creating problems for patients

There's nothing new about UK health charities taking on a major role in delivering services. Prior to 1948, British healthcare was provided through a patchwork of local charities, voluntary organisations, local authorities and private arrangements. Many hospitals depended on charitable donations, subscriptions and fundraising events to survive.

The creation of the NHS transformed this model. Most hospitals were brought into public ownership and funded through taxation. NHS founder Aneurin Bevan believed healthcare should not depend on charity, and restrictions were placed on NHS hospital charities actively raising money. But they did not disappear completely - they could still receive gifts and donations.