New legislation has been introduced to improve the quality and transparency of healthcare in all NHS organisations in Wales, Health Minister, Eluned Morgan, has announced.
The two new requirements include the duty of candour which urges Welsh health service organisations to be open and honest with patients if things go wrong and people suffer harm.
The duty means all NHS trusts and health boards in Wales must apologise to patients and support them as an investigation is carried out via the Putting Things Right process, with learnings to be shared post-inquiry to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The second new requirement, the duty of quality, will work to ensure all the decision-making processes, whether by NHS bodies or Welsh Ministers, actively take into account the improvement of health services and outcomes for the people of Wales – the duty also includes new health and care quality standards.
Velindre University NHS Trust’s Executive Director of Nursing, Allied Health Professionals and Health Science, Nicola Williams, said: “These duties will help to further develop a culture of trust and openness, so that people can feel confident in the care they receive and be assured that improvements will be made to prevent such harm happening again.
“It is important that everyone working in the NHS and people receiving care continue to report any incidents or harm that has occurred so these can be investigated openly, and improvements made as quickly as possible.”
The implementation of a new independent national body has also been announced. Llais, will look to invigorate the voice and improve the representation of people in the planning and delivery of health social services across Wales.
The organisation will work in partnership with the NHS, local government and other volunteer organisations to build on the work done by Wales’ seven community health councils to ensure the public’s views are considered locally, regionally and nationally.
Eluned Morgan added: “Everyone in the NHS works hard to provide high quality, safe and compassionate care for all. However, even when we do our best, people may sometimes experience harm.
“These new measures will ensure quality, safety and transparency is at the heart of all that we do, help continue to drive improvements in health and social care, and ultimately, lead to better outcomes for all.”
