Today is NHS Change day.  The idea behind this UK innovation day is to create a mass movement of people working in the NHS (UK’s National Health Service) demonstrating the difference they can make – by one simple act – and proving that large scale improvement is possible in the NHS. The aim is for 65,000 people to take part, 65 being the number of years the NHS has been in existence.  At last count over 130,000 had pledged their support!

Damian Roland, NIHR Doctoral Research Fellow in Paediatric Emergency Medicine, is one of those who first thought of the idea of Change Day and is part of the core Change Day team: ‘Change can begin with very simple ideas.  One innovative suggestion can lead to a new way of thinking which could transform the way we work.  If the simple changes made on Change Day have an impact they will become part of the way we work in the future.’

Jane Cummings, Chief Nursing Officer for England is a staunch supporter: ‘NHS Change Day is a fantastic opportunity to join a movement of young leaders who want to make a difference in the NHS. I am hugely enthusiastic about the idea and will be pledging my support.’

Professor Sir Bruce Keogh, Medical Director of the NHS says: ‘I am delighted to support all those involved in NHS Change Day. It’s especially an opportunity for the next generation of junior doctors to effect change in a practical and sustainable way.’

(source: NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement)