the Department of Health & Social Care
/ðə dɪˌpɑːtmənt əv ˌhelθ ən ˌsəʊʃl ˈkeə(r)/
/ðə dɪˌpɑːrtmənt əv ˌhelθ ən ˌsəʊʃl ˈker/
(abbreviation DHSC)
- the British government department responsible for health in England, and for some aspects of healthcare in the rest of the United Kingdom. The governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are largely responsible for health policy in their own areas. The main duty of the department is to manage the National Health Service, and it is also in charge of social services for old people, children, people affected by mental health conditions and others in need, though decisions on spending in these areas are made by local authorities.