Equality, diversity and inclusive leadership in palliative care

On 8 June 2022, the government published the long awaited landmark review into the health and social care leadership (NHS England, 2022) carried out by Sir Gordon Messenger and Dame Linda Pollard. The review was ordered as a result of poor management and leadership decisions in healthcare in general, and in the NHS in particular, that culminated in numerous negative outcomes towards patient care and staff wellbeing. This review was instigated by the Secretary of Health, perhaps as part of a rude awakening that good leadership at every level of healthcare, particularly at the heart of the government, plays a critical role in boosting morale, trust and commitment of the workforce to continue providing care. In the last 2 years, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to care being delivered under unprecedented conditions, which has further highlighted the importance of good leadership.

The review, which is fully supported by the Secretary of Health, and presumably by the government, makes seven key recommendations. Sir Messenger and Dame Pollard emphasise: