The Nuffield Trust. Acknowledgements. List of abbreviations. Those holding office 1970-2003. Introduction. Timeline. Roots of the Griffiths inquiry. Timeline. Victor Paige, 1985-1986. Timeline. Len Peach, 1986-1989. Timeline. Duncan Nichol, 1989-1994. Timeline. Alan Langlands, 1994-2003. Nigel Crisp. Reflections. References. Index.

"'This book charts the frenetic change in organisational arrangements which the NHS has experienced and discusses the numerous policy initiatives introduced by governments of different political persuasions, including the abolition of the regional health authorities. Professor Edwards is well placed both from his own personal experience and also by virtue of the opportunities he had to see central policy papers and meet many of the central personalities. He had a ring side seat for many of the changes in the NHS. This valuable history of the evolving NHS, co-written by Dr Margaret Fall of Sheffield University, will contribute to the current policy debate on attitudes to management and public service.' Sir Denis Pereira Gray, in his Foreword"