Leadership in the NHS What can the Department of Health learn from Gerry Robinson - the programme?

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to examine Gerry Robinson's television series and what lessons the Department of Health might learn from it. Design/methodology/approach - The paper reviews the recent TV series and draws conclusions from it. Findings - It is apparent that more might well be achieved by NHS managers leading change via active involvement at the "coal face". Such a transition would improve morale and would be a move towards establishing an innovative learning culture within NHS organisations. A companion article provides the same service on improving hospital through-put. Originality/value - Some useful lessons for the Department of Health are presented.