The NHS has become a sacred cow; a corporation beyond criticism. The NHS and medical practice in the UK are together failing to provide millions of patients with care that best serves their health. Why? Many causes are identifiable. To reverse them, fundamental changes will be necessary. The experience and judgement of doctors and nurses no longer have the influence they once did. Medical practice has gradually lost its sacrosanct sovereign role in favour of the bureaucratic control of the clinically unqualified. Medical bureaucracy is no longer content with housekeeping. Its decisions now impact the clinical arena. As a result, many doctors and nurses have become dispirited, demeaned and discontented. In considerable numbers, they are leaving the UK medical profession or emigrating. Fundamental change is required if we are to cure our sick sacred cow. The many suggestions made here to cure our sick sacred cow will doubtless be resisted by a corporation intent on extending its workforce and expanding its influence.