Picker responds to the ‘review of patient safety across the health and care landscape’

Commenting on the publication of the ‘review of patient safety across the health and care landscape’, Chris Graham, Group CEO at Picker, said:

“We welcome Dr Penny Dash’s recognition that all elements of healthcare quality are of equal importance – and that the NHS must make it a priority to do more to improve people’s experiences of care.

“This review marks an important step towards refreshing the health service’s approach to quality. We are pleased to see a recommendation for a ‘revitalised’ National Quality Board to lead the development of a comprehensive quality strategy, and, as outlined in the ten year plan, for the Department of Health and Social Care to create a new patient experience directorate. These developments will support the system as a whole to prioritise patient experience and target improvements in person centred care.

“At the same time, the review notes the importance of provider and commissioner organisations in creating and managing people’s individual experiences of care. It is important that the national focus on patient experience is mirrored across local organisations, and especially with the planned closure of local Healthwatch organisations, providers and commissioners will need practical support around skills, knowledge, and implementation. Picker have long advocated for the government to consider supporting the establishment of a national centre of excellence on patient experience to empower organisations to understand and act on the feedback they receive: this would be a cost effective means of building capacity and avoiding duplication of effort. 

“We support the review’s central aim of making it easy for patients and users to offer feedback and raise concerns about the care that they receive. This should continue to include systematic, independent feedback to hear from people who might otherwise be reluctant to share their views. Above all, patients must know that their feedback is not only valuable but that it can be given safely, confidentially, and without fear of repercussions.”