DoH: NHS is rewarding
Wednesday, 09 Apr 2008 12:58
Working in the NHS is "demanding but immensely rewarding", the health minister Ann Keen has claimed, based on her past experience as a nurse in the health service.
Her comments follow a poll of NHS staff which highlighted a number of problems for employees, including assaults on staff and poor communication.
But positive findings included the majority of staff being generally satisfied in their jobs, which Ms Keen described as "encouraging".
The survey also revealed that there were improvements in NHS trusts' infection control.
"The Department of Health has made it very clear that cleanliness should be the top priority for all NHS trusts and we have invested an additional £270 million per year until 2011 to help them to do so," Ms Keen said.
"We have instructed hospitals to adopt a range of measures to prevent the spread of hospital infections, including the deep-cleaning programme, the reintroduction of matrons and the 'bare below the elbows' dress code.
"It is very satisfying to hear that our high standards for infection control are being taken seriously by the majority of hospitals."