This evening we publish the HSJ100 – our annual list of those who wield the greatest influence within the English NHS and over health policy. The ranking demonstrates an important change in leadership behaviour.

17 of our top 100 leaders are very active on the social media network Twitter.

Like many social networks, Twitter is often an ocean of triviality. But used appropriately and proportionately it is proving a powerful engagement tool for many healthcare leaders. The 17 leaders within the HSJ 100 and a growing number of others are using it to test ideas, debate solutions and challenge myths. We encourage HSJ readers to join the conversation.

The 17 leaders, in the order in which they appear in the HSJ100, are:

  1. Tim Kelsey, national director for patients and information, NHS Commissioning Board: @tkelsey1
  2. Andy Burnham, shadow secretary of state for health, Labour Party: @andyburnhammp
  3. Dean Royles, director, NHS Employers: @NHSE_Dean
  4. Dr Clare Gerada, chair, RCGP: @clarercgp
  5. Ciarán Devane, chief executive, Macmillan Cancer Support: @ciarandevane
  6. Professor Steve Field, deputy national medical director, responsible for inequalities, NHS Commissioning Board: @ProfSteveField
  7. Professor Chris Ham, chief executive, The King’s Fund: @profchrisham
  8. Stephen Thornton, deputy chair, Monitor and chief executive, The Health Foundation: @THFstephen
  9. Dr Johnny Marshall, interim partnership development director, NHS Clinical Commissioners: @marshall_johnny
  10. Liz Kendall, shadow minister for care and older people, Labour Party: @leicesterliz
  11. Professor John Appleby, chief economist, The King’s Fund: @jappleby123
  12. Dr Martin McShane, director for ‘Domain Two’ (long term conditions), NHS Commissioning Board: @docmdmartin
  13. Stephen Dunn, director of development and delivery, NHS Trust Development Authority: @Stephen_P_Dunn
  14. Jeremy Taylor, chief executive, National Voices: @JeremyTaylorNV
  15. Anna Dixon, director of policy, The King’s Fund: @DrAnnaDixon
  16. Dr Mark Newbold, chief executive, Heart of England Foundation Trust: @drmarknewbold
  17. Nigel Edwards, senior fellow, The King’s Fund: @nedwards_1