11 April 2008
Fewer than half of NHS staff in England believe patient care is their trust's top priority, a survey by the Healthcare Commission has revealed.
The watchdog's annual survey of staff attitudes, published on April 9, reflected the views of more than 155,000 employees at all 391 English NHS trusts.
It found that 36% of respondents agreed that patient care was their trust's top priority, with another 10% strongly agreeing. But 29% neither agreed nor disagreed and 25% disagreed. At trusts across the country, the percentage of staff who disagreed ranged from 3% to 65%.
Most NHS staff also feel unappreciated by their employers . Only 26% thought their trust valued their work, down from 28% in 2005. Just 22% thought communication between staff and senior management was effective – the single biggest reason for staff wanting to leave their current jobs.
Karen Jennings, head of health at trade union Unison, said: 'It seems obvious that patients must be the top priority for trusts.' She added: 'Trusts must refocus attention on their patients and away from competition and privatisation. The growth of the private sector, marketing and financial targets are having a damaging impact on the way hospitals are run.'
The union also highlighted the continuing high levels of attacks on staff , reported by 13%, a figure Jennings called 'frankly shocking'.
Alastair Henderson, acting director of NHS Employers, said the concern over the priority given to patient care 'clearly is an issue', with complex reasons behind it.
'One would prefer to see a more overtly positive response. But I think this relates to the issues of engagement and communication with staff, rather than the actual reality of trusts' priorities.'
The findings on communication between staff and managers 'highlight the importance of our work on staff involvement, which is an increasing priority', but had not affected the survey's overall finding that the NHS remained a good place to work, he said.
The government chose to highlight improved findings on hygiene, with 83% of hospital staff recognising that infection control applied to their job, up from 74% in 2005.
Health minister Ann Keen said: 'It is very satisfying to hear that our high standards for infection control are being taken seriously by the majority of hospitals.'
PFapr2008
