HRM and the management of clinicians within the NHS

Purpose – The management of human resources is of crucial importance in enabling the delivery of efficient and effective services. The purpose of this paper is to explore one issue relevant to Human Resource Management, that is, the management of hospital doctors in the NHS. The present‐day UK National Health Service faces countless challenges at both the macro and operational level. Design/methodology/approach – The paper examines the implications for the NHS in general, and the medical profession in particular, of the continued dominance of the medical profession over the career management of hospital doctors. Findings – The paper argues that HRM must play a pivotal role in the management of clinicians to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of NHS reforms. The challenges to HRM and the medical profession that are inherent in this process are outlined. Research implications/limitations – It is argued that the potential long‐term gains to be derived from the development of closer working relationships between human resource managers and medical managers are crucial for the delivery of an effective health service. Originality/value – A new and innovative way of looking at the management of doctors and their careers within a changing NHS.