05.02.14
Francis recommendations have led to ‘real progress’
In the year since the Francis report was published, the NHS has seen “a real shift”, health secretary Jeremy Hunt is to say today.
On 6 February 2013 the Francis Inquiry published its recommendations, the majority of which the government accepted. Hunt will highlight the tougher measures introduced for failing hospitals, a new inspection regime for the CQC, introducing Ofsted-style ratings, and an increase in hospital nurses.
He will say: “Twelve months on, we cannot expect to have solved everything or have completely transformed the culture of the country's largest and finest institution.
“But we have seen a real shift in priorities – new inspections, more nurses and a stronger voice for patients with compassionate care starting to replace tick-box targets as the major focus on boards and wards.”
Since the report, 14 hospitals have been placed in special measures, a new chief inspector of hospitals has been appointed and from April hospitals will be required to publish staffing levels on wards.
The number of hospitals putting the names of responsible staff above beds has grown to nearly half, while surgery outcome data is now being published for 10 specialties.
But figures from the HSCIC show that overall nursing numbers have fallen by over 5,000 since the last general election.
Shadow health minister Jamie Reed said: “This winter he's left the NHS facing an A&E crisis with thousands fewer nurses. It is yet more proof that you can't trust the Tories with the NHS.”
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Image c. Neil Hall/PA Wire