This text is a timely reflection on the evidence and underlying reasons for the long-term sustainability of the NHS. Co-authorship combines the views of aspiring and enthusiastic junior doctors with inspiring and experienced senior leaders. The foreword is written by Lord Darzi.
The `Prepare to Lead' scheme began in 2007 as a pilot for six Fellows from
the Department of Biosurgery and Surgical Technology at Imperial College,
London.
The programme aims to develop leadership knowledge, skills and behaviours in junior doctors, and to do so alongside their clinical training.
In 2008, NHS London supported 18 new recruits to join three of the original participants in the `Prepare to Lead' mentoring scheme, and in 2009 a further 26 junior doctors were successfully matched with mentors. The authors of this book are from the 2008 `Prepare to Lead' cohort.
Each trainee was allocated a mentor, a senior NHS manager and leader: from an NHS Trust, a PCT, the Department of Health or another arms-length body to the NHS. Mentors come from both clinical and non-clinical backgrounds. A number of chapters are co-authored between mentor and mentee.
This book is unique in that it is written by junior doctors who are all
passionate to develop as leaders, in combination with senior leaders who have extensive experience of leadership.
This book is unique in that it is written by junior doctors who are all
passionate to develop as leaders, in combination with senior leaders who have extensive experience of leadership.
In 2008, NHS London set up a mentoring scheme, `Prepare to Lead', which paired 24 junior doctors with senior leaders within the health service in London (with both clinical and other backgrounds). Prepare to Lead aimed to equip the junior doctors with the skills and sense of purpose needed to become successful organizational and system leaders. Each of the 24 participants has co-authored a chapter, with several chapters being co-authored between mentor and mentee.
We are delighted that in 2009 `Prepare to Lead' recruited its second cohort of mentors and mentees and shows every sign of being an ongoing resource to improve the NHS.