Argument into whether clinicians should be NHS chief executives
- 16.12.2016
- EmmaArnold
- Clinical-negligence, Opinion, Clinical-negligence, Opinion
More doctors and nurses should be in positions 'at the most senior levels', according to the Health Secretary.
Jeremy Hunt highlighted that currently only 34% of NHS chief executives in England had a clinical background.
The government has proposed a new programme through universities in the UK to fast-track nurses and doctors into leadership positions.
But is good leadership something you can teach? Does a great doctor or nurse automatically translate into a non-clinical job role?
Hannah Bottomley, clinical negligence solicitor at PotterReesDolan, said:
This made an interesting article; I was particularly intrigued to note that the idea for more clinicians in management roles is not based on better patient outcomes and wonder therefore whether this is something which really needs to be done.
The only basis I believe someone should be appointed into the senior roles is in respect of their competency to do the job and whilst I am sure clinicians bring something different than non-clinicians, it is the improvement they can offer to patient safety which I believe should be considered a priority.
Mr Hunt highlighted how other countries have more former clinicians in senior roles; 74% in Canada and 94% in Sweden, but he didn't explain why he thought this was something the UK should work towards.
The idea was merely suggested by having clinician in these roles was a good thing; presumably only time will tell.