Press release: Visible leadership is key to success, NHS leaders told

07 Apr 2005

Visible leadership is the key to success, NHS leaders in Scotland will be told on Friday at the second annual conference of the Scottish NHS Confederation in St Andrews.  Addressing the second day of the conference, theatre director Richard Olivier, son of the actor Sir Laurence Olivier, will draw lessons from Shakespeare's Henry V to demonstrate how leadership in the NHS can be inspirational. Mr Olivier will say that creating a clear vision for staff, patients and the public is the core of strong leadership and visible leadership is essential for success.

Mr Olivier is among a host of high profile speakers who will address the conference on leading for health. Other speakers include Health Minister Andy Kerr, Professor David Kerr, chairman of the advisory group on service change in Scotland, Kathleen Marshall, Scotland's first Children's Commissioner and the world renowned expert on health inequalities Dr Erio Ziglio, Head of the World Health Organisation's European Office for investment in health and development.

Over 300 people plan to attend the two day conference, chaired by well known broadcaster Sheena McDonald.  Scottish NHS confederation director Hilary Robertson said:  "Our second annual conference takes place at a time when NHS Scotland leaders report a sense of purposefulness which some believe has been missing in the past.  At the same time, however, the challenges  resulting from pressure on budgets, increasing demands and rocketing expectations have never been higher. "

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Notes for editors

1. The Scottish NHS Confederation is an independent membership body representing the majority of Scotland's NHS boards and special health boards. We are committed to improving health policy and practice.
2. The Confederation's second annual conference takes places from 7 to 8 April at the St Andrews Bay Golf Resort and Spa.
3. Reporters are very welcome to attend the conference and full access to all plenary and strand sessions are available for reporting purposes. There are also photo, filming and recording opportunities available.

Contact details

For further information contact:  Donald Crichton on 07775582123

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