The NHS Alliance response to Sir Jim Mackey at NHS ConfedExpo

Responding to the speech at NHS ConfedExpo by Sir Jim Mackey, the chief executive of The NHS Allliance, Sir Ciarán Devane, said:

"It was really good to hear due recognition of the achievements by NHS leaders and staff over this past very challenging year.

"Our recent survey showed most local leaders expect the coming months to be tougher still, but recent progress does show progress is possible and NHS leaders are committed to building on this.

"Jim emphasised the importance of leadership in taking these improvements to the next level – echoing the theme highlighted by our chair, Lord Victor Adebowale in his opening remarks. 

"That will mean ensuring local NHS leaders have the operational freedom to innovate, and support to make big, often difficult decisions.

"It was right that Jim emphasised the huge and pervasive impact of recent appalling events that have touched the lives of so many people across our society, including of course colleagues in the NHS.

"We absolutely support his pledge to support colleagues and “lean in” to the challenges posed by divisions and intolerance.

"We have called for a new national campaign on respect for NHS staff, developed in partnership with staff and patients."