Values in the National Health Service: implications for nurse managers

The values of an organization are key factors which influence the way it is managed. The purpose of this paper is to examine the values of the National Health Service and consider the implications they have for nurse managers.

Three reports have been published recently which place values at the heart of the debate concerning the nature and purpose of the NHS. The development of these values is discussed and the clashes that arise between them are identified.

It is argued that this situation presents an opportunity to strengthen the position of nurses in management and thus ensure health care management retains a patient focus.