New Analysis Of Key Healthcare Data Published

The NHS has been urged to put patient safety at the heart of efforts to tackle concerns over care standards, after a report by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) revealed a quarter of Trusts were at a high risk of poor care.

The new findings from the CQC revealed 44 out of 161 trusts were placed in the two high-risk categories after a review of information including death rates, the number of instances of ‘never events’ and other patient data.

Among the trusts placed in Band 1 are those already investigated in relation to the high-profile Keogh review of patient safety standards.

The CQC has used intelligent monitoring as part of the report, with the system of 150 indicators being designed to ensure the body can identify and respond quickly to hospitals where risks may be emerging.

Professor Sir Mike Richards, chief inspector of hospitals at the CQC, said: “As a doctor, I liken intelligent monitoring to a screening test; our inspection combined with intelligent monitoring provides the diagnosis, following which we make a judgement, which will in turn lead to action.”

News of the report has come around a week after the CQC’s chief inspector of adult social care Andrea Sutcliffe proposed new plans to improve the monitoring and regulation of care homes and other similar services.

Expert Opinion

Considering the recent high-profile problems and subsequent reviews held across the NHS in the past few months, it is very worrying to see the publication of findings which call patient safety into question at a significant number of trusts. <br/> <br/>"Every effort must now be made to assess the findings of the CQC’s analysis to consider what steps can be taken to ensure that standards of safe, quality care are offered across the entire NHS. <br/> <br/>"We are contacted everyday by patients and families who want answers over poor care and reassurances that lessons will be learned which will prevent others suffering in the same manner. <br/> <br/>"Patient safety must be at the heart of all changes made to the NHS and a strong reaction to this study is needed to rebuild public confidence and trust following a difficult few months for the service." Lisa Jordan - Partner