Management guru Sir Gerry Robinson's documentary series at Rotherham General Hospital has led to dramatic changes in the way it is run, its chief executive has claimed.

The hospital featured in an Open University-funded series screened in January in which Sir Gerry was brought in to tackle waiting times.

The show prompted widespread debate in the NHS. At the time, Rotherham foundation trust chief executive Brian James said he was disappointed, claiming programme makers had glossed over complex issues 'for a much simpler story of consultants versus managers, with both sides presented as stereotypes'.

However, he told HSJ the experience had led to radical improvements and he had been happy to welcome back Sir Gerry for a follow-up, shown on TV last night.

'What the original programme did was hold a mirror up to the organisation. It did show tension between managers and clinicians that wasn't helpful to the running of the organisation.'

He said measures to improve those relationships included changing the management structure to have three consultants on the trust board who manage medical, surgical and clinical support services divisions. Other steps included involving frontline staff in improving their own working practices.

To read a review of the TV programme, click here

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