Speaking Truth to Power provides a history and personal commentary on analytical issues from 1984 until 2002 within the Department of Health – a period of dramatic and radical change.
Clive Smee shares the benefit of 18 years' experience as the Chief Economic Adviser in the Department of Health, covering often overlooked issues such as the relative roles of Ministers, civil servants, professionals, and NHS managers in major policy innovations; the analytical base (or lack of it) for the frequent organisational changes; and the recurrent Departmental debates on funding the NHS.
This book is essential reading for health service analysts in the Department of Health and throughout government, senior managers and clinicians within the National Health Service and managers in the pharmaceutical industry and related commercial organisations. It is also a valuable source of reference for academics studying health policy and policy shapers in the media and pressure groups.