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What matters to staff in the NHS

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH News Release issued by The Government News Network on

A seminal piece of research revealing what really matters to NHS staff has been published today by the Department of Health.

Thousands of NHS staff contributed to the research through focus groups, interviews and a widely distributed survey.

The research identified four themes that summarise what matters to staff:

* The support I need to do a good job
* A worthwhile job with the chance to develop
* The opportunity to improve the way we work
* The resources to deliver quality care for patients

Clare Chapman, NHS Director General of Workforce said:

"What Matters to Staff in the NHS is the first report of what motivates NHS staff and makes them feel supported in delivering a great service.

"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."

Notes to editors:

1. The qualitative research comprised of 40 group discussions involving over 200 NHS staff and seven in depth interviews.

2. The quantitative research included over 32,000 self-completion questionnaires which were sent to randomly selected staff from across England and in all staff groups between August and September 2007. It included 48 NHS Trusts and a range of GP practices.

3. Results are based on a total of 9,080 questionnaires - a response rate of 28%, which was above the predicted response of 8,000 questionnaires.

4. A full copy of the report can be found on the Department of Health website: http://www.dh.gov.uk