Working in partnership

If the NHS is to aspire to a health and care service offering people personalised care, care that is tailored to the needs of every individual and care that works for everyone, then working with people and communities is essential. Working in partnership with people and communities is a fundamental principle that underpins the Code (Nursing and Midwifery Council, 2018).

The concept of working in partnership has emerged as a foundation for delivering high-quality and patient-centered care. Collaboration and teamwork among health professionals, particularly in the realm of nursing, have proven time and again to be key in driving optimal patient outcomes.

In England, the Health and Care Act 2022 was devised to facilitate a more joined up, collaborative health and care system. The Act makes certain that every part of England is covered by an integrated care system, bringing together NHS, local government and wider system partners, so that collaboration and partnership are at the core of planning. If systems are to have impact, they have to build partnerships across traditional boundaries and work with people and communities, as well as those representing them, to engender real change.