Co-operation, collaboration and competition – inside the mindset of NHS managers

After two and a half decades of marketization, Pauline Allen argues that the attitudes of NHS managers towards competition in our health services are changing. Whilst in general NHS managers remain committed to co-operation and collaboration, pockets of pro-competitive thinking are present. However, a lack of clear policy direction leaves many managers preoccupied first of all with preserving their own organisation’s interests and identities.