I was delighted to see my former boss (and friend) John Yates included in the Diamond Sixty list of the most influential people in the NHS.

His book Why Are We Waiting?, published in 1987, gives you a real understanding of why it was so important to concentrate on driving down waiting lists and waiting times.

Most of the recommendations he made 20 years ago have now been implemented and millions of people owe him a debt of gratitude.

John Rostill, chief executive, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals trust

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