We must listen to NHS staff, says NHS Confederation in response to BMA report

20 Sep 2018 09:59 AM

Niall Dickson, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, which represents organisations from across the healthcare sector, responded to the launch of the BMA’s ‘Caring, Supportive, Collaborative’ project

“Doctors and other frontline staff know better than anyone the strengths and the failings of the health service when it comes to patient care and we absolutely must listen to what they are saying.

“The upcoming long-term plan represents an opportunity to address many of these issues and we must get it right.

“We have significant investment and it is time to get serious about transformation – it is not some kind of ‘fad’ and unless we invest in, and improve communication with, primary and community care then we know pressures on hospitals will continue to ratchet up.

“We must admit the NHS has been slow to grab the many advantages of the digital revolution and acknowledge this has to change. It will challenge working practices but brings significant advantages for patients and clinical staff – among them doctors having access to better, more comprehensive information and time freed up to care for patients.”

View report:  Launch of new project calls for solutions to NHS challenges amid fears of unsafe care