'The British National Health Service is undergoing unprecedented change. Disconnected policies are being developed at breakneck speed…Alison Talbot-Smith and Allyson Pollock are to be congratulated for bringing some clarity into this otherwise extremely confusing situation.' - Martin McKee, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine'Talbot-Smith and Pollock do an admirable job in view of the difficulty of keeping up to date in such a volatile policy environment.' - bmj.com'This guide is easy to read and objective. One of the authors, Allyson Pollock, is well known for her recent publication NHS pls - looking at the social, economic and political effects of changes in healthcare policy. This book approaches the issues in the NHS from a different tack.' - Nursing StandardAnother blockbuster from Allyson Pollock - Paul Walker, Healthmatters Having worked in the NHS from 1965 to 1993 I felt that I was fully convesant with its workings - but no longer. Like Martin Mckee (quoted on the jacket) I am confused by its growing complexity and wondering whether anyone - including those at the top really comprehends it but clearly the authors of this book do - and that is why its so valuable. Paul Walker - Healthmatters