Thursday, 7 June
I had a hectic ‘rest’ over the Jubilee
weekend. Before the break, it was really helpful to be out and
about in the South East Division. Dr Phil Davison has just stepped
down as Divisional Chair, and I would like to thank him for all the
work he has done in partnership with the Division’s executive
committee. Fortunately we won’t be saying farewell to Phil, as he
will continue as the College’s lead for sustainability.
Yesterday, I was at a senior medical staff
group in Tees Valley – I’d forgotten how beautiful the countryside
is between Teeside and Manchester. It was a really good discussion
with a vibrant group of psychiatrists. There were many challenging
questions, but these were solution-focused. The more technical
questions about training, dual training and flexibility in training
will be winging their way to the Dean. There were also some good
ideas expressed about how to support consultants through their now
extended career pathways.
At the end of May, the King’s Fund published a
report called
Leadership and engagement for improvement in the NHS: Together we
can. It makes the case for engaging staff, patients
and boards and for building relationships across systems of care,
and really is a must-read.
The report argues that NHS leaders should be
giving greater priority to patient and staff engagement. Engaged
staff deliver better patient experience, fewer errors, stronger
financial management, higher staff morale and motivation, and less
absenteeism and less stress. Specific evidence links medical
engagement with organisational performance from both the NHS and
other health care systems. Patient engagement can deliver more
appropriate care and improved outcomes.
So will this be the end of ‘pace-setting’ NHS
leadership style? Although much of it appears obvious, I hope that
now the King’s Fund are saying it that people will take notice.
After a long dry spell, the rain is definitely
back. My roof? Don’t ask!
Sue
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