The Department of Health has launched a public consultation
asking for views on the draft ‘Being Open' Framework and the
establishment of a Duty of Candour in Northern Ireland.
The Framework aims to address some of the recommendations made in
the 2018 report from the Inquiry into Hyponatraemia Related
Deaths (IHRD) by Justice O'Hara KC, which made a number of
recommendations around the Duty of Candour.
It has been developed involving statutory and voluntary and
community stakeholders, as well as service users, carers, staff
from HSC organisations and independent health sector
organisations.
The consultation is seeking views on the draft Framework which
aims to ensure that;
- all people in contact with HSC organisations can expected to
be treated in an open, fair and compassionate way;
- patients and those close to them will be listened to,
understood and treated with respect;
- HSC staff have visible, engaged and inclusive leadership and;
- Senior Leaders will listen to concerns and create safe spaces
for learning.
Health Minister said: “Openness and
honesty are critical to safe and effective health care. We want
to create a culture in which staff feel safe, supported and
empowered to speak up when things are not as they should be, in
the certainty that their concerns will be listened to and acted
upon; where the public can have complete confidence that if the
care received has not been as it should be, they will be informed
quickly and accurately about what has happened.
“The ‘Being Open' Framework aims to ensure that
individuals within our health and social care system are fully
empowered to exercise candour and openness, and that HSC
organisations have in place the necessary support and systems
required to enable and nurture a truly open culture.
“The Framework provides a consistent regional approach to
the practical arrangements and principles to be followed by HSC
Trusts in order to create a culture of openness where trust can
flourish between organisations, their staff and the people who
use their services.
“Ensuring we have a Framework in place that can deliver
the tools to build that trust and openness is key. I would
encourage the public to have their say.”
The consultation is open for 14 weeks and
closes on 21 March 2025.
The consultation documents and details on how to respond are
available on the DOH website at www.health-ni.gov.uk/consultations/being-open-framework-consultation and
citizen space.
