09.08.12
NCAS to form part of NHS LA to improve patient safety
The National Clinical Assessment Service (NCAS) is to become an operating division of the NHS Litigation Authority from 1 April 2013, the Department of Health has announced.
NCAS is currently being hosted by NICE. Responsibility for governance of NCAS will transfer to the board of NHS LA in April, chaired by Professor Dame Joan Higgins. The two organisations have a shared purpose to improve patient safety in the NHS.
The DH has requested that NCAS prepares to raise a proportion of its income through self-funding in 2014-15, “with the aim of increasing this proportion progressively over the following years and achieving 100% self-funding as soon as can safely be achieved.”
Interim director of NCAS, Lynn Hugo, said: “The Department has acknowledged the considerable amount of work that NCAS has already begun on the development of a more flexible service model.
“We know there is more to do and we will now be able to progress this work together with our NHS LA colleagues from a stable platform within the NHS.”
Catherine Dixon, chief executive of the NHS LA, added: “Together we can continue to develop the work NCAS has already begun to create a more flexible and customer-focused service for the NHS.”
Sir Andrew Dillon, chief executive of NICE, commented: “We will be pleased to work with NCAS and the NHS LA on the transfer. This will be completed by 1 April 2013 and will mark the end of our agreed one-year hosting period.”
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