So recently I went to an open day at UCL and they briefly mentioned the importance of knowing about the NHS values, especially for personal statements and interviews. This was term I had heard of before but hadn’t yet researched and is also a topic we haven’t covered during our weekly meetings.
It is however, essential knowledge and forms the core ideals of what working in the NHS represents.
The constitution firstly establishes the rights and equally the responsibilities of patients, staff and the public and is renewed every 10 years with input from the public. The Handbook that accompanies and outlines the constitution is renewed every 3 years.
The Principles
There are 7 key principles:
- The NHS provides a comprehensive service, available to all
- Access to NHS series is based on clinical need, not an individual’s ability to pay
- The NHS aspires to the highest standards of excellence and professionalism
- The patient will be at the heart of everything the NHS does
- The NHS works across organisational boundaries
- The NHS is committed to providing best value for taxpayers’ money
- The NHS is accountable to the public, communities and patients that it serves
The Values
These values underpin everything the NHS does and stands for and have been developed by staff, patients and the public. They inspire passions, excellence of service and ability to achieve aspirations:
- Working together for patients
- Respect and Dignity
- Commitment to quality of care
- Compassion
- Improving lives
- Everyone counts
More elaborated information on the principles and values as well as the rights of patients and the public can be found on the Department of Health’s website below:
– Nusaiba 🙂
Medical Club 