Improving healthcare regulation - 20 March 2009
Improvements to the regulation and governance of healthcare professionals have been set out in two reports published today.
Recommendations in Tackling Concerns Nationally (external link) and Tackling Concerns Locally (external link) will ensure high healthcare standards in the NHS, reassuring public and staff that patient safety is at the heart of systems and processes.
The reports are the result of reforms announced in the White Paper Trust, Assurance, Safety: the Regulation of Health Professionals in the 21st Century (external link).
The national report recommends establishing an Office of the Health Professions Adjudicator (OHPA), which will look at cases assessing a healthcare professional’s fitness to practise. It will initially take on cases concerning doctors before expanding to other professions.
Proposals for the principles and governance of the new body are subject to a consultation, also announced today.
The local report sets out best practice to strengthen local NHS arrangements for identifying poorly performing healthcare workers and taking effective action. It will be supported by more detailed operational guidance and regulations introduced by the Department of Health later this year.
Read the press release (external link)