Interview

NHS Core Values

What are the 6 core values set out in the NHS constitution (England)?

1 - Working together for patients

2 - Respect and Dignity

3 - Commitment to quality of care

4 - Compassion

5 - Improving Lives

6 - Everyone counts

What value might be added to the constitution?

Environmental Responsibilities was raised during the consultation

What does commitment to quality of care mean?

Earning patients trust by getting the basics of care right every time. This also links to being open to feedback, learning from mistakes and taking steps to improve

Give an example of commitment to quality of care

a ward team running a hand-hygiene audit and changing its routine to cut infection rates shows this value in action

Give a personal example of commitment to quality of care

What is respect and dignity?

Valuing every person as an individual, regardless of their ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. This also involves respecting their views, and understanding a person’s aspiration, abilities and limits. This includes protecting and upholding a patients right to privacy and autonomy.

Give an example of respect and dignity

Drawing privacy curtains before an examination to protect the patients dignity

Arranging for a professional interpreter for a patient who is not fluent in English, thus ensuring that they can give informed consent - this respect the patients autonomy

Give a personal example of respect and dignity