In the year since the publication of the Francis Report NHS England has led many significant improvements to address the concerns raised in this landmark report. Jane Cummings, Chief Nursing Officer for England and NHS England Chief Nurse said: “The lasting legacy that NHS England can give back to the patients and families who suffered […]

A need for transparency, better safety checks on testing, consistency and standardisation of processes and procedures are some of the recommendations made to NHS England in a review into pathology services. Professor Sir Bruce Keogh, Medical Director of NHS England commissioned Dr Ian Barnes, chair of NHS England’s Pathology Quality Assurance Review Board, to strengthen and refine the quality assurance […]

Since the publication of this blog John Young has left NHS England. By Professor John Young, National Clinical Director for the Frail Elderly and Integration, NHS England Frailty is related to the ageing process, that is, simply getting older.  It describes how our bodies gradually lose their in-built reserves, leaving us vulnerable to dramatic, sudden […]

With only three weeks to go until Christmas, Libby Dowling, clinical advisor at Diabetes UK, writes about how those with diabetes can keep well over the festive period and the winter months. Get vaccinated People with diabetes should make it a priority to take up their offer of a free flu jab. Nearly a third […]

The Chief Nursing Officer for England today called for further improvements in care standards and transparency and the creation of a culture of empowerment in the nursing and midwifery profession, saying: “Absolute transparency is the key to driving improvements in standards of care. We need to ensure that every single patient receives great care, every […]

The NHS continues to experience significant pressure due to a range of reasons including high demand, dealing with Covid-19 and challenges discharging patients from hospital. In anticipation of a challenging winter for the NHS and social care services, NHS England has announced additional measures to boost capacity, support staff and provide better care for patients […]

NHS England today highlighted the significant work it is leading to improve the safety of patients as part of a co-ordinated response to the Francis Report. In the coming months NHS England will: Launch Patient Safety Collaborative Programmes in a network covering the entire country – that will bring together frontline teams, experts, patients, commissioners […]

Fourteen areas leading the way in delivering better joined up care In May 2013, national partners announced the ‘pioneers’ programme, inviting local areas to demonstrate the use of ambitious and innovative approaches to deliver person-centred, co-ordinated care and support. Over 100 expressions of interest were received, with the final selection of the pioneers being made […]

Cancer patients experience of care, is improving with 88 percent of patients reporting their care was either excellent or very good. The national cancer patient experience survey published today reported the views of 116,000 cancer patients in all 155 NHS Trusts that provide treatment to patients with cancer. The survey showed improvements in many areas […]

Since the publication of this blog Dr Mike Durkin has left NHS England. Today, Professor Don Berwick publishes his report on the safety of patients in England. I had the pleasure of supporting his advisory group as they carried out their huge amount of academic research and engagement with professionals and the public, so I […]