Publish date: 11 January 2024
With a General Election due to be called during the next 12 months we can expect additional interest in NHS services from political spokespeople. Visits can be vital in spreading key messages on how to use health services and in helping to promote best practice. However, care must be taken to ensure visits do not stray into being party political.
All NHS organisations must act and be seen to be acting impartially towards all elected officials, candidates, and political parties, and not seen to be influencing upcoming elections or their outcomes, even inadvertently.
The decision to host visits is at the discretion of local NHS organisations but no visit must show any suggestion of bias. Public resources should not be used for any party political activity. Moreover, any visits should not interfere with the day to day running of our services, and also be mindful of patient privacy and dignity.
If you are approached about any service visits, see the Visitors’ Policy for reference and contact communications