Today the House of Commons discussed the Mid Staffordshire Hospital Inquiry [the Francis Report]. The neglect and abuse at Stafford Hospital between 2005 and 2008, which led to the unnecessary deaths, has already been well documented.
The tragedies that took place in Staffordshire saw a culture where mistakes were covered up. But the £13m Francis Inquiry, published at the start of February, and this response from the government, has been aimed at tackling the wider cultural problems in the NHS.
Everyone accepts that the massive masjority of NHS care is outstanding but all involved are human and there will be mistakes. Howe they are dealt with, and the support given to whistleblowers, will be key going forward.
The full answer by the government is very detailed, but the key recommendations are an acceptance of Francis findings and specific measures to ensure that:
Hospitals will have to produce quarterly reports on how they are handling complaints and clearly set out how patients can raise them.
• A legal duty of candour on organisations to be open and honest about mistakes.
• A criminal offence of wilful neglect to hold staff to account.
• A "fit and proper person's test" so managers who have failed in past will be barred from taking up posts.
• A care certificate to ensure healthcare assistants and social care workers have the right skills and training.
• Every patient should have the names of a responsible consultant and nurse listed above their bed.
Mr Hunt added: "Today's measures are a blueprint for restoring trust, reinforcing professional pride in frontline staff and above all giving confidence that they will be given the best and safest care and the way to do that is to be completely open and transparent.
If you want to see the live TV link of my Question and Answer on the parliament channel go to the following link: my contribution is at 14.08 and 50 seconds:
http://www.parliamentlive.tv/Main/Player.aspx?meetingId=14192&st=12%3a57%3a35&player=smooth
Full report of today as per the BBC is here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-25005669
