'...this is an excellent text. It is well constructed and appropriately pitched and, because the editors seek feedback on its style and content, it is likely to retain its relevance in future editions' - "Nursing Management". This comprehensive text covers all of the major aspects of healthcare management and is written by experts in the field. The book is structured into three main sections, bracketed by an introductory chapter setting the policy context and offering an overview/map of what follows; a concluding chapter draws together the key themes and offers a view about the future development and trends in healthcare management. The main sections of the book examine: the health policy and practice context for healthcare management; the specific challenges of managing healthcare organizations; and, key managerial techniques and methods that managers need to be able to use effectively in their practice. The chapters include self-test exercises, summary boxes, further reading and a list of web-based resources. This book is key reading for researchers, managers and healthcare policy makers with a genuine interest in the links between the theory and practice of healthcare management and how best practice might be achieved within healthcare systems. The contributors include: Lawrence Benson, Carol Brooks, Ruth Boaden, Naomi Chambers, Deborah Davidson, Jennifer Dixon, Jenny Douglas, Tim Freeman, Jon Glasby, Neil Goodwin, Andrew Hine, Paula Hyde, Kim Jelphs, Justin Keen, Helen Lester, Ann Mahon, Anne McBride, Ruth McDonald, Shirley McIver, Steve Onyett, Helen Parker, Edward Peck, Suzanne Robinson, Ann Shacklady-Smith, Judith Smith, Anne Tofts, Tom Walley, Kieran Walshe and Juliet Woodin.