Politics, law, leadership and compassion in healthcare

This workshop examined how policy decisions, law and leadership influence the understanding and practice of compassion in healthcare. The discussion considered how accountability mechanisms and targets relate to the development of a humane and compassionate ethos in the NHS. Can ‘compassion’ be contracted and commissioned? Are recent reforms to healthcare accompanied by any particular threats to compassionate leadership and patient trust in healthcare institutions? A further key dimension of the discussion concerned how law relates to the practice of compassion in British healthcare. How should professional regulations relate to medical law in such a way as to support the maintenance of cultures of compassion? What, if anything, should civil law require of healthcare practitioners as regards compassion?

 Politics law, leadership and compassion in healthcare - flier.pdf