Picker’s NHS Manifesto: Our vision for a person centred health service
As the UK prepares for a general election, we present a manifesto that examines how well the NHS is meeting its users’ priorities and describes a set of high impact policies to create a more person centred health service.
Within the next year the UK population will go to the polls to elect a new government. When they do, plans for the health service will be an important factor in how people choose to cast their votes. Polling data from late February 2024 shows that 47% identify health as one of the top three most important issues facing the country, second only to the economy (53%).
The things that people want from a health service are described in the Picker Principles of Person Centred Care: they include fast access to reliable healthcare advice; effective treatment by trusted professionals; and emotional support, empathy, and respect. In our manifesto, we look at recent evidence about how people experiencing these priorities – and we set out a vision for an NHS that offers the highest quality person centred care for all, always.
Key points of the manifesto:
- Data-driven insights: Evidence shows that people’s experiences of care are deteriorating across important areas, creating a pressing case for change.
- Innovative policy recommendations: We present a set of innovative policy initiatives aimed at improving people’s experiences of care and restoring public confidence in the NHS. These include using staff feedback to focus support on the professions under the greatest pressure; improving patient involvement and communication; and developing a national centre of expertise to help organisations use insight for improvement.
- Picker’s expertise in action: The manifesto outlines how Picker, with our extensive expertise in measuring, understanding, and improving people’s experiences of care, can play a pivotal role in supporting positive change.
Empowering the NHS
Picker is dedicated to supporting policymakers in developing evidence-based approaches for person centred care and fostering a resilient health and social care workforce.
With the launch of the manifesto, Picker aims to put the spotlight on people’s experiences of the NHS – and to spur discussion among policymakers, providers, and professionals about what it will take to realise our vision of a person centred health service.
Picker exists to promote person centred care and to help improve the quality of health and social care services. With our expertise in understanding, measuring, and improving people’s experiences, we are here to support everyone involved in the planning and delivery of care.
