NHS staff have expressed the need to be supported in a worthwhile job that delivers quality care to patients, according to a new government report, What Matters to Staff in the NHS.
Development opportunities and being provided with the resources to deliver services were also key needs among more than 9,000 questionnaire respondents and more than 200 NHS staff members who were interviewed as part of the research into what motivates and matters most to the NHS workforce.
Clare Chapman, NHS Director General of Workforce, said: “We need to build upon this evidence to help the NHS create a better working environment that will help to further improve the quality of patient care.”
The NHS Social Partnership Forum, which brings together the Department of Health, NHS Employers and the NHS Trade Unions, supported the publication of the findings through a joint statement.
On behalf of the Forum, Karen Jennings, Head of Health at Unison, said: “Staff are the essence of the NHS and it is critical that we understand what is important to them.
“The research findings should inform the development of future health policies, and we are pleased they have already informed Lord Darzi’s Next Stage Review.”
Alastair Henderson, Acting Director of NHS Employers said: “We welcome the publication of these research findings. We believe they can reinforce efforts by employers, trade unions and the government to develop policies and practices that help our staff feel valued, empowered and able to make an even greater difference to patient care than they do already.”
