In this article, recently published in the British Medical Journal, Jane Feinmann, Medical Journalist & PATIENTSTORIES regular contributor explores why “being open”, despite significant effort and attention is proving such a struggle for the NHS.
The Command paper published on Monday 20th June 2012 suggested that a statutory “duty of candour” would form part of the Health & Social Care Bill. It did not.
Robert Francis has recommended it and the Government appear to have accepted this recommendation.
Full article: “Why sorry doesn’t have to be the hardest word …” – Download PDF
Dee Speers says
I gave evidence to the Health Select Committee for their Complaints and Litigation Inquiry. The HSC Report found “The NHS Complaints system is not working say MPs” and “The Health Committee have found the role of the Health Service Ombudsman needs a complete overhaul if it is to provide an effective appeals process for the Complaints system”
I tend to agree with Mr Levy’s opinion.
http://www.leighday.co.uk/news/news-archive-2011/letter-published-in-british-medical-journal-on
Russell Levy is a senior partner at Leigh Day renowned Clinical Negligence specialists.
Mr Levy recently had a letter published in BMJ. A quote from Russell Levy’s letter:
“What everyone interested in patient safety and justice should be doing is getting together to devise a completely new model that combines a full, open and independent investigation of an adverse outcome conducted in as blame-free an atmosphere as possible with proper compensation paid to patients who suffer avoidable medical accidents and steps taken to avoid repeating mistakes. Sadly, instead, all that the Government, the NHS and the medical defence organisations are interested in is seeking to cut spending by preventing patients from bringing claims in the first place and hindering a full investigation of those claims that are brought.
I mean in 2008-09 the NHS did pay out £312m in damages; it paid far more out to lawyers in fees, £456m. So it is the wrong way round and it is not where the NHS should be spending money.”