Addressing the problems of managing health care is one of the most pressing challenges facing western societies. In the UK the public are bombarded with negative press coverage of the National Health Service. Hope Behind the Headlines aims to provide practical help, hope, and ideas about what is possible to improve health care by shifting the cultures to ones that are truly orientated towards quality. This book will leave readers hopeful about their own ability to make a difference in their local health context. It includes chapters written by leaders in health care who share their experiences trying to shift culture in practice. These stories are first-person narratives that are very different from sanitised case studies that often glorify what happened and make readers feel inadequate. A must-read for all those concerned with improving health care in the UK.

A readable and accessible book that is packed full of learning, insights, research and experiences that will ensure leaders really understand what is required to shift cultures in theory and in practiceIt will leave readers energized and hopeful about their own ability to make a difference in their own local health contextSpeaks to the reader as an intelligent equal with an empathy and understanding of what it is like trying to lead change and improvement in the complex world of health carePresents a clearly argued point of view without trying to grandstand or knock other approachesMakes the potentially tricky but strategically vital area of culture understandable and practical without talking down to the readerProvides in depth understanding of the current context for health and social careOffers a clearly written theory of shifting culture, based on academic research which shows how any leader, whatever their level can shift their local culture to be more conducive to high quality patient careIncludes chapters written by leaders who have had a go at shifting culture in practice and who share their experiences, warts and all These stories are powerful, empathetic, first person narratives that are very different from sanitized case studies that often glorify what happened and make readers feel inadequate.