The Poor Law Officers' Journal was established in 1892. In 1930 it changed its name after the passing of the Local Government Act 1929 to the Public Assistance Journal and Health and Hospital Review, then in 1948 it became the Hospital and Social Service Journal. In 1963 it became the Hospital and Social Service Review, in 1973 the Health and Social Service Journal and the Health Service Journal in 1986. It was part of a group of business-to-business titles published by the Emap group which was purchased by the Guardian Media Group in 2008.Health Service Journal#cite note-3| In 2008 it had an average circulation of almost 18,000 copies, most of which were by subscription. It was part of a group of business-to-business titles published by the Emap group which was purchased by the GuardianMedia Group in 2008. In October 2015 the title's owners announced that print editions would be phased out over the next eighteen months, with the HSJ expected to be in the first tranche. In January 2017 the title was bought by Wilmington plc for £19 million. In 2016, HSJ announced that it would go digital only, giving insight into every NHS sector and region. In January 2017 the title was bought by Wilmington plc for £19 million.Health Service Journal#cite note-5|
Content
Primarily aimed at "healthcare leaders", it is widely read amongst managers and directors in the NHS. It covers subject areas including commissioning, performance, patient safety, finance, mental health and technology.
Events
HSJ runs events with senior healthcare figures on topics ranging from mental health to digital transformation. The HSJ Awards recognise and celebrate excellence and innovation in the NHS, showcasing influential leaders and workforce projects and innovations. They claim to be the largest healthcare awards in the world. In 2020 they celebrate their 40th anniversary.
Awards
At the 2013 Professional Publishers' Association awards editor Alastair McLellan was named editor of the year in the business media category. In 2014 HSJ was named PPA business magazine of the year. In 2014 it was named PPA business magazine of the year.Health Service Journal#cite note-8| In 2017, HSJ won best online media property or brand: B2B and HSJ Solutions won best digital launch at the AOP Digital Publishing Awards. In the same year, the Professional Publishers Association awarded HSJ Solutions, Digital Innovation of the Year at the PPA Awards.
