The Commonwealth Fund's international healthcare rankings placed the UK first overall among high-income countries. However, despite excelling in care processes and equity, the UK ranked 10th in healthcare outcomes, raising concerns about the effectiveness of healthcare delivery. 

To address this issue, there is a call for passionate and skilled leadership within the NHS, emphasizing the importance of involving clinical staff and management. The shift from professionalism to leadership is examined, with a focus on maintaining influence and power. Leadership training programs are being implemented, but the context in which leadership skills are developed is considered vital. 

The overlap between clinical and leadership skills in healthcare professionals is highlighted, suggesting that doctors already possess leadership abilities. Developing bespoke leadership programs for healthcare workers and starting leadership training earlier in medical education are proposed. The need for research to determine the effectiveness of leadership training and its impact on healthcare outcomes is emphasized, with the potential for savings generated by quality improvement to fund such programs. 

Overall, empowering front-line clinical staff to engage in system development and change is seen as crucial for improving healthcare systems.

Read more at: Leadership in Medicine (Royal College of Surgeons)