Headquarters Strike Command

An Empirical Investigation into Service Strategy within the UK Health System An empirical case study was undertaken that investigated the impact the United Kingdom (UK) Department of Health (DH) 18-Week Patient Pathway (18 WPP) had on a specific outpatient department (OPD). The research analysed existing patient pathway procedures in place within a UK Hospital Trust Cardiology OPD. From the collected data, it was established that the OPD was not managing patient demand and was struggling to meet the remit of the 18 WPP. At the invitation of the OPD Manager, a revised pathway was recommended for the Trust’s consideration. From the research, other key influences were identified to have a significant impact on service improvement and managing change within the National Health Service (NHS). The core contribution of this research has added to the general body of knowledge about the management of organisational change. This paper is of value to those working in the healthcare and wider public sector