NHS principles

Question 1

What are the 7 core principles of the NHS

Answer 1

1. Comprehensive service available to all
2. Access is based on Clinical need not ability to pay
3. Aspires to highest Standards of excellence and professionalism
4. Patients are at Heart of everything
5. Works across organisational Boundaries in interests of patients, communities and the wider population
6. Provide best Value for taxpayer’s money
7. Accountable to the public, communities and patients it serves

Question 2

What are the core NHS values

Answer 2

1. Working together for Patients: patients come first, before institutional interests. Services are tailored to local needs.
2. Respect and dignity for every individual (staff, patients, carer etc). Openness, humility, honesty, clear communication
3. Commitment to quality of care
4. Compassion
5. Improving lives
6. Everybody counts: fair distribution of resources, no discrimination, everyone treated with equal respect and importance

Question 3

What are the challenges of the NHS in the 21st Century

Answer 3

Rising expectations
Demand driven by demographics
Information society
Advancing techniques and treatments
Changing nature of disease
Changing expectations of the workplace

Question 4

What is the Darzi report

Answer 4

Sets out the vision of High Quality Care For All
Patient choice and information, personalised service
Improving health as well as treating sickness: services for tackling obesity, smoking, drug and alcohol addiction, sexual health, mental health
Quality of care in all aspects - standards set by Care Quality Commission
Funding related to patient experience
Local boards and directors represented at national level
Partnerships btw NHS, uni and industry
NHS staff to lead and manage
Improving quality of teaching and training

Question 5

What are the 6 principles of medical ethics

Answer 5

Beneficence
Non-maleficence
Autonomy
Justice
Dignity
Truthfulness and honesty

Question 6

What are the ethical issues in histopathology?

Answer 6

Safe, rapid diagnoses: review difficult cases with colleagues, double reporting of oesophageal HG dysplasia and dysplastic naevi/melanomas, incorporation of second opinions into report (but responsibility for the report ultimately rests with the signout pathologist)
Propriety of tissue samples and blocks: HTA regulations
Pathologist-pathologist relationship: sharing knowledge, dissemminating information

Question 7

What are the professional attributes of a doctor

Answer 7

Patient care is overwhelming priority
Compassion, Safety
Professionalism: honesty, integrity, reliability
Coping with pressure: adaptability, resilience, good judgement
Good communication
Learning, professional development
Organisation and planning
Problem solving
Insight (know boundaries of competence)
Teamwork
Open to constructive feedback from colleagues