Last week it seemed that the merry-go-round of sackings, resignations and flying leaps at the top of the health service, was turning the lives of senior NHS bods in to something more akin to football management.

But it’s since emerged that running the country’s beloved health system is actually more like life on a reality TV show – and that’s official.

The Appointments Commission, a very serious institution with responsibility for recruiting NHS chairmen and non-executive directors, has launched a recruitment campaign called Strictly Boardroom. Why? I don’t know. But they are looking for people who can – wait for it – keep ‘in step’ with their local community. And apparently this is their ‘opportunity to dazzle’ with an ‘unforgettable performance.’

But what similarities can there possibly be between a BBC ballroom and an NHS boardroom – apart from a load of old has-beens staggering around to constantly changing tunes until they’re voted out by the public?

At least we’re not paying them the same wages as C-list celebrities. If you want that sort of money in the NHS you have to become a commercial director – especially at one of those trusts still ‘moving towards’ foundation status ie absolutely desperate.

Here’s a good example. East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust is seeking a commercial director to run what it euphemistically calls ‘a unique portfolio’, including ‘a pharmacy manufacturing unit, a laundry and a waste-to-energy unit.’ Now that has the makings of a great reality TV show. And the winning prize? £90,000 a year. Marvellous.

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