CHRISTOPHER HAM is Professor of Health Policy and Management at the University of Birmingham, UK. He was Director of the Strategy Unit in the Department of Health between 2000 and 2004 and was awarded a CBE in 2004.

Reviews of previous editions: 'Chris Ham is unrivalled in his ability to distil and synthesise complex policy developments and present them in a clear and digestible manner for non-specialists...Everyone with an interest in health policy should possess a copy of this book.' - Ray Robinson, Health Service Journal 'It can be safely and warmly recommended as certainly the most up-to-date - and probably also the best - text available for anyone interested in Britain's NHS, and seeking a guide through the maze.' - Rudolf Klein, British Book News 'Christopher Ham's book...is clearly written with little jargon and is admirably brief without being superficial.' - J.A. Muir Gray, British Medical Journal 'It is hard to find a better textbook about health policy in Britain for students with little existing knowledge. However, it can also be highly recommended for readers who work in the NHS, but want to make more sense of the often confusing web of policies and imperatives. This book manages to synthesise a maze of material in a readable form and enlightens as well as informs.' - Public Health Review of sixth edition: "[T]his excellent textbook... is ideal material for students of health sciences, social policy and public health as well as... health managers, administrators, public health professionals, and health care practitioners" - Marisa Lincoln, Journal of Social Policy

• The Development of Health Services and Health PolicyHealth Policy under Thatcher and MajorHealth Policy under Blair and BrownFinancing Health Services and the Rediscovery of Public HealthPolicy and Priorities in the NHSPolicy-making in Westminster and WhitehallPolicy-making in Scotland, Wales and Northern IrelandPolicy-making in the Department of HealthImplementing Health PolicyAuditing and Evaluating Health Policy and the NHSPower in Health ServicesLooking Back and Looking AheadConclusion.