Ethical health care management: is it possible?

Recent changes in the United Kingdom (UK) National Health Service (NHS) have resulted in the application of private sector management methods, in an attempt to improve the efficiency of service delivery. However, this has also led to concern regarding the appropriateness of such methods in a public service organization. This paper examines how the new 'business' culture of health care has led to conflict between the core values of nursing and management. It is argued that the central focus of the two roles is essentially different and this is at the heart of the conflict. Consideration is given to how the service may be managed in the future and the need for mutual understanding and collaboration is advocated as a means of reconciling these differences.