At the NHS Confederation Conference 2017 Jeremy Hunt delivered his first public speech since the general election and his re-appointment as Secretary of State for Health. In his address he praised the recent heroism of our UK emergency services. He also stated that he had a great deal of sympathy for ending the long standing 1% annual increase restriction for public service staff. On the subject of nurses pay he went as far as to promise that the issue “is reflected back to the Chancellor”.
He was effectively sending a very public message to the Philip Hammond, Chancellor of the Exchequer, who is financial controller within the Government: Make the money available for a nurses pay rise. This strikes a very different tone from the public statements he made before and during the recent junior doctor’s dispute. This leads to our question:
Has something changed with Mr Hunt?
Quite frankly, a great deal has changed over the past year.
The Health Secretary made direct reference to the manner in which NHS staff responded to recent terrorist attacks and the Grenfell tower disaster. Such events have focused public opinion. Social media has, more than ever, become a forum where the public opinion has the opportunity to develop untethered by the traditional opinion shapers: newspapers, television and radio. Potential changes to inter-European migration rites due to Brexit have been cited for a dramatic decline in the number of nurses coming to the UK. Staff shortages are therefore likely to persist and become more apparent at a time when demand on the NHS is growing. A pay dispute with nurses in such circumstances would be an uncomfortable experience for any Government.
However the recent general election has created a shift in the political power balance of the UK. A diminished level of control for the Conservative party has led to changed levels of power within the Cabinet of Ministers.
Would Mr Hunt have used a public speech to put pressure on the Chancellor at this time last year? Some would argue he was lucky to retain his position when Theresa May became Prime Minister. Some that he was left to sort out his own mess. Your may have your own opinion regarding his motivations for being seen to put pressure on Mr Hammond . You may see genuine concern for the plight of nurses and for getting things done. You may believe that he has learned from the Junior Doctors dispute. Alternatively you may see opportunistic headline grabbing driven by naked ambition. Jeremy Hunt for Prime Minister anyone?
What’s this got to do with doctors in everyday practice?
Sit Brice Keogh, the outgoing National Medical Director, has emphasised a doctor’s “moral and professional responsibility to understand the system” in which they practise. He encourages doctors to “empower yourself and your colleagues to get to know how the NHS works and really make it your own.”
During our course Everyday Medical Leadership & The NHS we explore how to identify the drivers of change. Its the first step in deciding how to respond. Whenever we face change we always have a choice in how to react, though sometimes its not obvious. Such choices are best based on a balance between our level of passion and our belief in our level of control.
“But the NHS is huge” some might say. “Its the fifth biggest employer in the world. No single person can make a difference.”
An understandable sentiment. Yet take a look at the general election result for the constituency of North East Fife. With a total of 41,822 votes cast the winning candidate won by a margin of just two votes. So maybe its true that no single person can bring about significant change – but apparently two people can!
Who are you talking to about the changes afoot in the NHS and what you can do in response?
Stephen McGuire – Head of Development
