This article is based on a talk given at the International Balint Federation leadership congress in Warsaw (September 2016). It explores the conceptual foundations of Balint group leadership and starts by emphasizing the mutuality between psychoanalysts and medical practitioners working together. The parallel process between consulting room and group, and subsequently from group back to the consulting room, is delineated as the central construct in understanding the role of the leader. Having proposed a conceptual model for thinking about leadership interventions, the article discusses developments in some contemporary approaches to leadership: coleadership, the use of role play, psychodrama, pushback, and morale. It concludes by introducing Keats' notion of negative capability as a way of thinking about creativity in Balint group leadership.

In this article, I will respond to the conference title "Building on Balint" by briefly considering some of the inherent obstacles to Balint work, before describing the current state of play in the UK. I will argue that Balint work might benefit from exploring its relationship with attachment theory more fully. In particular, I emphasize an important new role for Balint groups within contemporary health-care organizations-one that enhances a feeling of emotional security for the professional within the organization and also benefits the teamwork and morale of the organization itself. I will give an example of a Balint group in a health-care organization for vulnerable doctors and finish by giving a report on the development of Balint groups for medical students in the UK.

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How compassionate is our NHS?' was held on 13 March 2017 at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh Declaration of interests No conflicts of interest declared 'You can't look at compassion in healthcare without looking at compassion in society.' John Carnochan Perhaps a good sign for an event designed to trigger debate is when, prior to it beginning, you need to change the title. 'How compassionate is our NHS?' Or the reformed title, 'How compassionate is our health and social care?' was jointly organised by Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, the University of Edinburgh's Global Compassion Initiative and the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman's Offi ce. Based on a fi ctional patient's tale, Mary, an elderly lady, falls at home and is admitted to hospital. The tale follows Mary's journey though initial consultations and ward moves towards discharge. It is added to by a fi ctional complaint, not dissimilar to those that occur in real life, from Mary's daughter regarding aspects of her care. The day itself allowed the audience, comprising people ranging from patients, nurses, managers, senior and junior doctors (in hospital and general practice), psychologists, social care and third sector representatives, in addition to representatives of the funding and organising bodies themselves, to discuss and comment on the case. It also invited perspectives from invited speakers from health, social care, academia and humanities to discuss compassion in our care systems.

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