The NHS (National Health Service) has helped millions of individuals since it was created in the middle of the 20th century in the UK. Over time, the NHS has established six core values to help guide its mission and culture.
It is fundamental that you know these 6 core values before any interview with the NHS, to become a carer, or any healthcare provider - especially a medicine interview in the UK.
Think about how you can use them both in terms of your past experiences and also about applying them to your own situations, both in the present and in the future.
In this article, we will go through each of the 6 NHS core values, before examining how you can demonstrate your own similar NHS values in your medical school or NHS interview questions.
What are the NHS 6 Core Values?
The NHS has six core values that guide its mission and culture:
Respect and dignity
Commitment to quality of care
Compassion
Improving lives
Working together for patients
Everyone counts
Each of the core NHS values will now be explored in turn:
NHS Core Values Explained
1. Respect and Dignity - NHS Core Values
The first core value of the NHS is respect and dignity. It is fundamental to demonstrate these values in the way that care is delivered, emphasising the importance of treating all patients and colleagues with respect, regardless of their age, gender, ethnicity, faith, or other circumstances.
In an interview setting, demonstrating respect, professionalism and dignity is essential - both through your own experiences in business and personal life. It is important to respect their aspirations and commitments, which may impact the care they want to receive.
This can be demonstrated through using language that is polite in your interview answers, always maintaining eye contact, and listening well to questions and feedback. It is important to be able to provide concrete examples of how you have shown this to patients and colleagues in past healthcare settings - or even from your own work experience.
In the context of the Charlie Gard Case, this value underscores the need to maintain a patient's dignity even in the most challenging situations. This is further emphasised in providing confidentiality in health care settings - one of the core tenets of becoming a doctor and part of the NHS constitution.
Demonstrating your understanding of this core value and how you have implemented it in the past can give you an edge in your medical school interview - even if the question does not directly ask for this to be mentioned.
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2. Commitment to Quality of Care - NHS Core Values
The NHS is devoted to offering care of the highest quality and this core value seeks to reflect that, so it is essential to demonstrate any relevant training or education you have received in the healthcare field, as well as your eagerness to stay abreast of the most current research and best practices.
Commitment to this is a vital NHS core value, as seen in the Shropshire Maternity Scandal, where a lack of quality care led to preventable harm.
It is also important to demonstrate how you have positively contributed to the improvement of care in prior roles. Showing that you have an understanding of the importance of quality care and have experience in providing it is key to demonstrating your commitment to the NHS.
Furthermore, it is beneficial to highlight any steps you have taken to ensure that the care you are providing is consistently high, such as attending conferences or seminars to stay up-to-date with the latest innovations in the healthcare field.
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3. Compassion - NHS Core Values
Compassion is an incredibly important value within the healthcare system, and it is a core value of the National Health Service (NHS). Showing empathy and kindness to patients is at the heart of this concept.
During an interview, it is important to be able to provide examples of how you have demonstrated compassion to patients in your previous roles.
It is also helpful to talk about any training or education you have received in communication skills or patient-centred care. Demonstrating a strong understanding of the importance of compassion in healthcare shows that you are committed to providing excellent care and puts you in a great position to succeed in the role.
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4. Improving lives - NHS Core Values
The NHS is devoted to the fundamental value of enhancing the lives of patients and communities in the UK. This core value is something that many healthcare professionals are proud to demonstrate in their interviews, and you can showcase your dedication to this value by giving specific examples of how you've helped to improve the lives of patients in past healthcare roles.
From patient education and outreach programmes to volunteering in community health initiatives and taking part in research to improve healthcare outcomes, these are all examples of how you have gone the extra mile to make a lasting impact on the lives of those you have had the privilege of caring for.
Showing a commitment to this core value of the NHS is a sure way to stand out from the crowd and impress during an NHS interview.
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5. Working together for patients - NHS Core Values
Teamwork is fundamental in healthcare, and the NHS recognises this through its core value of working together for patients. This emphasises the importance of collaboration and cooperation between healthcare professionals to ensure the best outcomes for patients and improves people's experiences of the NHS.
Collaboration is crucial in healthcare, as demonstrated in the Archie Battersbee Case, where teamwork played a significant role in managing a complex situation.
In an interview, you can demonstrate your commitment to this value by providing examples of how you have worked effectively with colleagues in past roles. You can also mention any training or education you have received in teamwork or conflict resolution.
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6. Everyone counts - NHS Core Values
The last of the NHS core values is "Everyone Counts". This value stresses the importance of treating each patient and colleague as an individual, with their own unique needs and circumstances.
Issues like abortion in the UK, the Francis Reports & Mid Staffordshire Failings, organ donation & transplant dilemmas, and junior doctor strikes all demonstrate the significance of considering diverse needs and circumstances.
In an interview, you can demonstrate your dedication to this value by giving examples of how you have tailored care or support to meet the individual needs of patients or colleagues in past roles. You can also mention any training or education you have received in diversity, equity, and inclusion.
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Why are the NHS Values Important?
They guide healthcare professionals in providing the best care possible to patients and communities. The core values emphasise the importance of treating patients and colleagues with respect and dignity, providing high-quality care, demonstrating compassion, improving lives, working together for patients, and recognising the unique needs of each individual.
By understanding and demonstrating these values in interviews, you can showcase your commitment to providing excellent care and increase your chances of success in securing a place to study at medical school in 2023 and 2024.
How to Showcase Your Commitment to the NHS Core Values in Your Medical School Interview
When preparing for your medical school interview, it is essential to not only understand the NHS core values but also be able to showcase your commitment to these values through concrete examples. Use anecdotes from your past experiences in healthcare, volunteering, or even personal life to demonstrate how you have embodied these values.
Additionally, discuss your plans for the future and how you aim to uphold these values as a medical professional. Ensure that you provide a well-rounded view of your understanding of the values and their importance in providing excellent care to patients.
Examples of Demonstrating the NHS Core Values in Healthcare Settings
Examples of demonstrating NHS trust values
In healthcare settings, the NHS core values play a crucial role in guiding medical professionals' behaviour and decision-making. For example, you can demonstrate respect and dignity by being attentive to patients' preferences and needs, ensuring that their privacy is maintained, and treating them with kindness.
To showcase compassion, you could discuss a time when you provided emotional support to a patient or their family during a difficult situation. When explaining your commitment to providing good care, mention any steps you have taken to further your education or training, as well as specific instances when you have contributed to improving patient outcomes. In all cases, provide tangible examples to illustrate your dedication to these values.
Preparing for NHS Value-Based Interview Questions
To prepare for NHS value-based interview questions, start by thoroughly researching the core values and understanding their importance in healthcare settings. Next, reflect on your past experiences and identify examples that demonstrate your commitment to these values.
Practice answering potential questions by explaining the situation, your actions, and the impact of your actions on the patient, colleagues, or the healthcare setting. Familiarise yourself with common interview questions related to the NHS core values and rehearse your responses.
Finally, be prepared to discuss any relevant training, education, or personal growth initiatives that have shaped your understanding and commitment to these values. This preparation will help you feel confident and articulate during your medical school interview, increasing your chances of success.
Example NHS Value-Based Interview Questions
How would you demonstrate respect and dignity to a patient in a healthcare setting?
How have you contributed to improving the care received by patients in previous roles?
How have you shown empathy and kindness to patients in previous roles?
What have you done to contribute to improving the lives of patients in previous healthcare roles?
What measures have you taken to ensure effective teamwork with colleagues in healthcare settings?
How have you tailored care or support to meet the individual needs of patients in previous roles?
What training or education have you received in communication skills, patient-centred care, teamwork, or conflict resolution?
How have you stayed up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in healthcare?
How do you prioritise the improving care quality in a healthcare setting?
How have you contributed to patient education or outreach programs?
How have you been involved in community health initiatives?
How have you participated in research studies that aim to improve healthcare outcomes?
What training or education have you received in diversity, equity, and inclusion?
How do you ensure that everyone is treated fairly and equally in a healthcare setting?
What steps have you taken to ensure that all patients and colleagues are respected and treated with dignity?
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Top Tips For NHS Core Value Questions and Answers In Interviews
Research the NHS core values so that you understand what they mean and how they are applied in healthcare settings.
Prepare examples of how you have demonstrated respect, dignity, compassion, and care quality in previous healthcare roles.
Highlight any training or education you have received in communication skills, patient-centred care, teamwork, or conflict resolution.
Provide examples of how you have contributed to make people's lives better or communities through patient education or outreach programs, volunteering, or research studies.
Show your commitment to the value of everyone counts by highlighting any training or education you have received in diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Practice your answers to potential questions about the NHS core values before the interview.
Be prepared to answer questions about how you prioritise the quality of care in a healthcare setting.
Make sure to use polite language and maintain eye contact during the interview.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the NHS core values are an important aspect of the organisation's mission and culture, and they play a significant role in interviews for healthcare positions. By understanding these values and demonstrating your commitment to them in your responses, you can increase your chances of success in an NHS or healthcare interview.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the NHS 6 Core Values?
The six core values of the NHS are respect and dignity, commitment to quality of care, compassion, improving lives, working together for patients, and everyone counts.
Why are the NHS Values Important?
The NHS values guide healthcare professionals in providing the best care possible to patients and communities. They emphasise the importance of treating patients and colleagues with respect and dignity, providing high-quality care, demonstrating compassion, improving lives, working together for patients, and recognising the unique needs of each individual.
What are the 6C's of the NHS?
The 6 C's of the NHS are:
Care
Compassion
Competence
Communication
Courage
Commitment
How can I showcase my commitment to the NHS core values in a medical school interview?
Use anecdotes from past healthcare experiences or even personal life to demonstrate how you have embodied the NHS values. Discuss your plans for the future and how you aim to uphold these values as a medical professional. Provide tangible examples to illustrate your dedication to these values.
What are some examples of demonstrating the NHS core values in healthcare settings?
You can demonstrate respect and dignity by being attentive to patients' preferences and needs, ensuring that their privacy is maintained, and treating them with kindness. To showcase compassion, discuss a time when you provided emotional support to a patient or their family during a difficult situation. When explaining your commitment to care, mention any steps you have taken to further your education or training.
How can I prepare for NHS value-based interview questions?
Thoroughly research the core values and understand their importance in healthcare settings. Reflect on past experiences and identify examples that demonstrate your commitment to these values. Practice answering potential questions by explaining the situation, your actions, and the impact of your actions on the patient, colleagues, or the healthcare setting.
What are some common NHS value-based interview questions?
Some common questions include "How have you contributed to improving the quality of care in previous roles?", "How have you shown empathy and kindness to patients in previous roles?", and "What steps have you taken to ensure that all patients and colleagues are respected and treated with dignity?"
How can I increase my chances of success in an NHS or healthcare interview?
By understanding the NHS values and demonstrating your commitment to them in your responses, you can increase your chances of success in an NHS or healthcare interview. Use examples from past experiences and be prepared to answer questions about how you have embodied the NHS values in previous roles.
What are the 7 core values of the NHS?
There are six core values of the NHS, not seven core values in the UK, which are:
Respect and Dignity
Commitment to Quality of Care
Compassion
Improving Lives
Working Together for Patients
Everyone Counts
Why do you want to work for the NHS? (Think about the NHS and or board values)
I want to work for the NHS because it embodies a commitment to healthcare excellence, equity, and compassion, ensuring every individual receives high-quality care regardless of their background. Being part of an organisation that values teamwork, innovation, and respect aligns with my professional ethos and desire to contribute to a system that champions the health and well-being of the entire community.
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