A government-commissioned review by Dr Penny Dash has recommended
steps to rationalise oversight and regulation of NHS patient
safety.
Daniel Elkeles, chief executive, NHS Providers, said:
“Keeping patients safe is paramount.
“Dr Dash is spot on. Regulation is important but must focus on
issues that really matter and continued improvement.
“Today running an NHS trust is like playing in a match with lots
of referees, all with different rules, on the pitch. Right
now services are hampered by the sheer number of visits,
inspections, audits and reports by several different, not
joined-up, bodies resulting in lots of separate recommendations
requiring staff to check what others are doing – taking many
doctors and nurses away from looking after patients.
“The system has been too complex for too long. This review is an
important step in simplifying and streamlining how patient care
is regulated without ever compromising safety.
“Trusts welcome this review. A revamped National Quality Board
will set clear, robust, consistent priorities and ensure that NHS
services are held accountable for providing high-quality care,
and we welcome proposals for trusts to appoint a senior executive
responsible for ‘patient experience'.
“We welcome too proposals to streamline the complaints
process. If something goes wrong NHS trusts are determined
to put in place measures quickly to improve the quality and
safety of patient care.”
