The article briefly presents the problems of Total Quality Management in Polish health services. In Section 1, the authors indicate the necessity to introduce new systems of management in Poland. The effects of totalitarian policy affected all sectors of economy and social life, including Polish health services. The lack of a clear concept in management, wasteful pharmaceuticals economy, an imperfect system of staff management, lack of development perspectives, and the absence of incentives for the medical staff, led to inhibition of the development of Polish health services. The authors would like to draw attention to the necessity of introducing changes in the Polish system of health services management, and to adjust this system to European standards and conditions, with the consideration of total compatibility with the Polish system of health services undergoing intense changes.

Section 2 of the article concerns general principles of TQM, with an emphasis on the role of the director and staff management, as a leader engaged in work and understanding his subordinates, and not a `chief' who gives orders as a kind of supervisor. In this section, the authors would like to stress the pioneer character of such a system and the efficiency of its functioning in Anglo-Saxon countries and Japan, by presenting a brief historical outline.

Section 3 of the study deals with the implementation of TQM in Polish conditions, indicates possible benefits and threats, and simultaneously put an emphasis on the effect of this modern system on improvement of the quality of medical services and its direct influence on a patient.

Słowa kluczowe: jakość opieki zdrowotnej, kompleksowe zarządzanie jakością, kultura organizacji, quality of health care, total quality management (TQM), organizational culture