The people in HSJ’s Rising Stars list are the ones to watch and learn from in the new year and beyond, says Andrew Willetts

It is no secret that the NHS is facing tough challenges and substantial change.

Innovation, efficiency and integrated care pathways are the recurring themes mentioned every day within the health service. As a result, across the NHS, new and efficient ways of working are being implemented clinically and operationally.

It is in periods of significant change that organisations rely on their rising stars: the people who have made brave decisions to drive the patient agenda and achieve goals quickly and effectively.

Drive and determination

Rising stars are the leaders of tomorrow and it is important that they are recognised and their achievements shared.

Celesio UK is excited to be part of HSJ Rising Stars; championing people who believe in change, who have the drive and determination to implement new ideas.

The individuals chosen for the HSJ Rising Stars list have demonstrated how new ideas can be implemented at pace within the NHS. These people are the ones to watch and learn from in 2014 and − we hope − for many years to come.

Andrew Willetts is public sector and healthcare services director at Celesio UK