The Health Minister has today welcomed the publication of the
final report of the Urology Services Inquiry.
The Inquiry into concerns relating to the circumstances
surrounding urology services in the Southern Health and Social
Care Trust was announced by then Health Minister on 24 November 2020 and heard
evidence between June 2022 and June 2024.
Minister Nesbitt said: On behalf of the entire health service, I
offer my sincere and heartfelt apologies to all those whose lives
have been affected by the issues examined in the Urology Services
Inquiry. I recognise that the publication of the Inquiry's report
today will be a difficult and distressing time for patients and
families.
I am deeply grateful to those who came forward to share their
experiences and I recognise the courage and trust this required.
I thank them for helping to ensure that these failures in care
have been fully and openly examined.
I would also like to extend my thanks to the Chair of the Urology
Services Inquiry, Christine CBE KC, the Inquiry panel members and
the wider team for the depth of analysis, diligence and care
taken in producing this report.
My Department acknowledges the issues identified in this report
and will undertake a detailed and urgent review of the findings
and recommendations to ensure that appropriate action is taken to
address the concerns raised.
While the report also highlights positive progress in some areas,
we recognise that further action is required. We are committed to
building upon work already underway to strengthen patient safety
enhance the quality of care and ensure that lessons are learned
and embedded across the system.
This includes the establishment of Patient Safety and Quality
Committees in each Health and Social Care Trust using a
regionally standardised approach, as well as a comprehensive
review of the framework for addressing concerns about doctors
working in health and social care settings. In addition, we are
progressing the introduction of a statutory duty of candour as
part of a programme of work to strengthen both systems and
culture, ensuring that concerns raised by patients, families and
staff are listened to and responded to effectively.
I have convened a Quality and Safety Summit next week, bringing
together key leaders and stakeholders from across Health and
Social Care (HSC) with responsibility for driving system-wide
improvements in patient safety and quality of care.
Together we will begin to agree clear, coordinated actions to
strengthen patient safety, improve quality and foster a culture
of openness, learning and accountability across the health and
social care system, informed by the findings of this report and
those of previous inquiries.
Notes to editors
- The report can be found at https://www.urologyservicesinquiry.org.uk/publications/volume-1-usi-report
