I’ve seen, felt and received feedback about the transformative impact of positive communication, civility and simple, consistent kindness. These aren’t grand gestures or headline initiatives. They are the everyday choices we make. To listen before reacting, to speak with respect, to offer support without being asked and to treat each other with dignity, no matter how pressured or stretched we feel. 

The results have been tangible. Working relationships feel stronger. Processes and flow are smoother. There's a noticeable shift in energy, teams are more cohesive, staff morale is higher, and our shared sense of purpose feels clearer. It’s a reminder that culture isn’t just set by policies or meetings. Culture is created in every interaction, every corridor conversation, every response to a challenge. 

Kindness and civility are not just ‘nice-to-haves’ in our profession. They are vital. They create an environment where people feel safe, respected and able to do their best work. In healthcare, where human connection is at the heart of everything we do, how we treat one another directly influences how we care for patients and families. 

I truly believe that as healthcare professionals, we must lead with compassion and humility. That leadership isn’t confined to roles or titles, it lives in moments of integrity and generosity. Whether you’re offering reassurance to a colleague, taking time to explain something patiently, or simply acknowledging someone’s effort, you are leading by example.

This isn’t about perfection. We all have hard days. But it is about choosing to show up with kindness even when we’re tired, stressed or under pressure. It’s about making civility a daily practice, not a reactive one. Because when we lead with respect, for ourselves, for each other and for the work we do, we build departments that are not just functional, but truly supportive and resilient. 

It’s also important to acknowledge that these past weeks haven’t been without their challenges. We’ve faced some truly difficult and, at times, deeply upsetting circumstances, situations that have tested us emotionally and professionally. Yet what has stood out most during these moments is the way everyone has come together. In the face of adversity, people have shown immense compassion, calmness and solidarity. Teams have stepped in for one another without hesitation and the values of kindness, respect and civility have not just held firm, they’ve guided us. It’s in these harder moments that the true strength of our culture is revealed. I couldn’t be prouder of how consistently and authentically these behaviours have shone through.

So, I want to take a moment to acknowledge and thank everyone who is contributing to this culture shift. Your kindness matters. Your tone, your approach, your attitude, they all contribute to a culture where people feel valued and seen. 

Let’s keep this momentum going. Let’s continue to build a culture where civility and kindness are the norm, not the exception. Let’s be known not only for our clinical excellence, but for the compassion, respect and humanity we show one another every day.

Across West Yorkshire, whether we work in hospitals, the community, mental health, social care or voluntary services, the way we treat each other matters. These shared values unite us across organisations and localities. By continuing to champion civility and kindness in our own teams, we contribute to a wider movement which strengthens our partnership, supports our workforce and ultimately improves care for the people and communities we serve.

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