The NHS is to launch a code of conduct for NHS managers. It follows a BBC poll which found that almost one in 10 managers had altered the figures to meet government targets.

Forum Response: FDA

Paul Whiteman, spokesman for the FDA, told ePolitix.com: "We are pleased that the code contains rights as well as responsibilities. We very much hope that these rights will carry the same weight as the responsibilities and that the code will not become a tool used to remove managers that no longer hold political favour."

Forum Response: UNISON

Karen Jennings, national secretary for health for UNISON, told ePolitix.com: "UNISON is pleased to see that key proposals suggested by UNISON have been taken on board, tightening up the original draft.

"There are further improvements that UNISON would like to see but we believe the Code will set ethical standards for managers in a way that will strengthen their ability to stand up for patient rights and safeguard staff welfare.

"The code recognises that the prime commitment to patient services must be tempered by managers duty of care to the health and safety of themselves and their own staff."

"We'll be monitoring that development closely. UNISON wants guarantees that the Code will be applied in a fair and consistent manner. To that end we would like to see a review next year to see if it really has made it easier for senior managers to stand up for patient rights and staff well-being."