Is health service management a profession?

Abstract

This chapter explores the extent health service managers as public servants can claim to be seen as members of a profession and whether such a claim is relevant in their relationships with patients, clinical colleagues and the government. Managers in the National Health Service (NHS) are in an unenviable position. Blamed by the public for administrative shortcomings, held to account by government for a bewildering number of targets and often derided by the clinicians with whom they work, it is surprising that this career is seen as attractive by anyone. Management in the NHS is undertaken by two main groups of people, those with a general management background and those initially trained as clinicians. Although the balance has changed, those with a general management background are more likely to hold the most senior posts. The modernisation of the role of the health service manager, particularly since the introduction of general management, might have made managers feel better the standing.