Patient safety report by Dash now published
Dr Penny Dash’s review on patient safety has been released. It puts forward nine recommendations to the government, aimed at streamlining the patient safety system and enhancing accountability.
Many of these proposals have already been reflected in the Ten-Year Health Plan, including reforms to the National Quality Board and the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
The review also highlights five key conclusions:
A more strategic and coordinated approach is needed to improve quality and safety in care.
Overlapping roles, particularly in patient engagement and investigations, should be simplified.
Too many quality functions sit outside of those directly delivering care.
Commissioners and providers need to strengthen their skills, governance, and accountability.
The CQC must work to restore public trust.
In response, Health Secretary Wes Striating announced he has “fully accepted” the recommendations, noting they are integral to the Ten-Year Health Plan. He also confirmed that a previously planned review on quality and governance will not proceed, as it has been “entirely absorbed” into the current plan.
Commenting on the review, NHS Confederation Chief Executive Matthew Taylor said:
“NHS leaders will welcome Dr Penny Dash’s review, which aligns with the Ten-Year Health Plan by simplifying central roles, devolving accountability to local leaders, and empowering the public to make informed care choices.
With the government already seeking to cut costs within the NHS, some consolidation around how national standards are set is understandable. Any chance to eliminate duplication is positive, especially if savings can be reinvested into frontline services.
However, NHS leaders urge caution, reminding the government of the past care failures that led to the creation of these bodies. It’s essential to ensure their critical missions continue. Staff and patients still need safe spaces to raise concerns.
Given the significance of patient feedback in shaping care, and following the closure of Health watch England and local Health watches, NHS leaders also stress the need for ICBs and local authorities now taking on these roles to be properly supported and resourced.”
