Majority of NHS professionals do not think that quality of care is treated as a priority in the NHS

23 May 2013 Almost three-quarters (73 per cent) of NHS professionals do not think that quality of care in the NHS is given enough priority, says a survey published today in a new report on patient-centred leadership by The King's Fund. The survey, which took place after the publication of Robert Francis's report, also found that 40 per cent thought that the quality of leadership in the NHS as a whole was poor or very poor, in contrast to 11 per cent in their own service or team.When asked what the biggest barrier to increasing quality of care was, 40 per cent of NHS professionals said 'time and/or resources', though this figure was higher among nurses (51 per cent). 'Organisational culture' was next (identified by 28 per cent of respondents), though it was identified as the most important factor by NHS executive directors (48 per cent).The report concludes that nothing less than a transformation of systems, leadership and culture is needed throughout the NHS if the lessons of the Francis Inquiry are to be learnt and acted on. Alignment of leadership in clinical teams, NHS boards and national organisations around the needs of patients and quality and safety of care is essential.  The report confirms that care quality within NHS organisations is first and foremost a corporate responsibility under the leadership of boards. However, when asked who has the biggest impact on quality of care, NHS professionals ranked boards sixth out of eig...
Source: The King's Fund - Press - Category: UK Health Source Type: news