16.08.12
Ready for revalidation – NHS Employers
NHS organisations are now ready to support doctors to begin revalidation, NHS Employers has reported as it urges Government to start the process this year.
The Government’s NHS Revalidation Support Team has published the Organisational Readiness Self-Assessment report, demonstrating that the NHS is ready for revalidation.
Through revalidation, doctors skills will be regularly and formally assessed to protect patient care and safety.
Dean Royles, director of the NHS Employers organisation, said: “Revalidation is an important step in making sure patients have access to the safest care and NHS Employers is committed to helping organisations make it work. We have been working closely with the BMA, GMC, patient groups and the UK Revalidation Programme Board to get to this stage.
“The introduction of regular tests and more appraisals for doctors will be a milestone which should reassure the public that their medical care is up to date, safe and effective. Employers will ensure that all doctors are engaged with the process and have access to appraisals, which will become a mandatory part of retaining their licence to practise.
“Revalidation has been a long time in the making and we now need to take the final step and get it up and running.”
Mike Farrar, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, of which NHS Employers is a part, said: “Revalidation is a major step forward for patients. In fact, many would be surprised to find that doctors aren’t already subject to regular assessments.
“These new checks will be an opportunity to address the bigger picture of clinical governance. I would encourage NHS boards to become engaged with revalidation and the crucial role it will play in the continual improvement of services we provide to patients.”
Health secretary Andrew Lansley is expected to announce a decision on revalidation in late September or early October.
View the report at: http://www.revalidationsupport.nhs.uk/about_the_rst/rst_projects/Implementation-Support/ORSA/ORSA-report-2011-12.php