Matt Tee says delivering hgih quality care is the core business of everyone working in the NHS.

NHS Confederation chief operating officer Matt Tee said:

"It's been nearly four months since publication of the Francis report, which clearly identified the need for the NHS to develop an organisational culture with patients at its absolute heart, and quality as its guiding principle.

"From conversations with our members, we know that the number one priority for NHS leaders is implementing a change in their organisational culture that creates a 'virtuous circle' of improving standards of care for patients.

"The NHS is a huge and complex organisation, and changing its culture is not achievable overnight. Nevertheless, it is very worrying that such a significant proportion of respondents to the King's Fund survey think the NHS does not sufficiently prioritise quality of care.

"Delivering the best possible care is the core business of everyone working in the NHS, from the most senior surgeon to the part-time secretary, at the board and on the ward.

"The NHS needs first class leadership which inspires, engages and supports everyone in it - managers and clinicians, board members and frontline staff - to deliver the quality health care that patients deserve and have the right to expect."