Another change agenda: Reflections on ‘Agenda for Change’

Abstract

This article presents research on nurses' perceptions of the 2005 UK NHS reform 'Agenda for Change' (AfC) in order to identify lessons to inform future NHS policy development. Semi-structured interviews (n ¼ 18) were conducted with NHS nurses who were in post prior to the reform and subsequently subjected to the policy reform. Interviews were undertaken by a single researcher and lasted between 40-60 minutes. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was used to identify key concepts and findings. The article finds that each facet of the Agenda for Change was not perceived to have achieved the policy goals it intended to. The article concludes that repeated political re-organisation of the National Health Service (NHS) in England has been demoralising for hospital staff.