How can we improve the NHS?

The management of the NHS is a hot topical issue that may well attract even greater public attention in the next few months.  The results of the inquiry into the Stafford Hospital crisis show why this is important, revealing a catalogue of management failures at every level and within every aspect of the hospital, its services and its structure. There was a culture in which bullying was commonplace and staff were fearful of  reprisals if they brought issues to attention. It is evident, too, that an emphasis on meeting targets was prioritised well ahead of considerations about staff wellbeing, performance, and, worst still, patient safety.

How widespread is this culture in the NHS and what should be done to improve the situation?

Jean Hartley and John Benington, in their recent book, Leadership for Healthcare propose that better leadership is a part of the solution.  Sample chapters are available for reading at

http://yearbook.managers.org.uk/samples/Leadership%20Chapter%202.pdf

and

http://yearbook.managers.org.uk/samples/Leadership%20Chapter%207.pdf

 Leadership for Healthcare has been entered for the Practical manager category of CM Management Book of the Year

 For more about the competition, the books entered and the authors visit our dedicated website at www.managementbookoftheyear.org.uk

Jean Hartley is a member of CMI’s Academic Advisory Council http://www.managers.org.uk/policy/academic-advisory-council