"This is a fascinating study of the fate of policy innovations in the NHS. Through detailed empirical research, the authors highlight the gap that often exists between plans laid down in Whitehall and experience on the ground. It provides salutary and timely reading for health reformers." Chris Ham, Chief Executive, The King's Fund

"To become - or stay - efficient and effective the NHS needs to become good at innovation in service delivery as well as clinical practice. This book gives deep insight into the origin and development of treatment centres, as a case of the conundrum of organisational innovation in the health service, namely how to ensure strategic direction, local ownership and adaption." Sandra Dawson, KPMG Professor of Management, Deputy Vice-Chancellor University of Cambridge & Fellow of Sidney Sussex College

The authors are a multidisciplinary team of senior and internationally recognised researchers from the Universities of London and Southampton. John Gabbay researches into the way that knowledge enters policy and practice in organisations. Andrée le May is renowned for her work on knowledge in practice. Catherine Pope is a distinguished qualitative methodologist with long experience in ethnographic research in healthcare. Glenn Robert specialises in organisational studies on quality and service improvement and large-scale change in healthcare. Paul Bate is a leading authority on organisational development and change management, including healthcare in the UK and USA. Mary-Ann Elston is a well-known researcher and teacher in medical sociology.