6 NHS awaits changes to


Changes to the NHS Constitution and its Handbook are imminent following the closure of a consultation, which set about tackling the “fear and secrecy” inherent in the NHS. The amendments will tighten the system to


ensure that all NHS staff can report concerns freely when concerned about threats to patient safety. The move was instigated by the health


secretary Andrew Lansley to prevent isolated failures such as those investigated at Mid- Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust. He said: “The NHS Constitution must be


brought up to date to enshrine the rights of staff. Staff should be working in an environment where they feel able to voice


concerns and know that their concerns will be taken seriously. Staff will be expected to raise concerns and employers must support them and investigate where necessary. That means better patient care and better staff morale.” This consultation follows significant


progress already made on whistleblowing. On 25 June 2010 new guidance was published for the NHS, developed through the Social Partnership Forum (SPF) with support from the independent whistleblowing charity Public Concern at Work. Access this guidance at: www.dh.gov.uk/en/ Publicationsandstatistics/Publications


EVENT FOCUS: Risky Business 2010 One may ask what lessons could


“The prevailing presumption was one of safety rather than of risk,” said Professor Bren Neale, describing the tragic death of her husband Dr John Hubley at an Independent Sector Treatment Centre in 2007. Professor Neale was sharing her


experiences of clinical negligence at a unique conference called Risky Business, organised by Dr Allan Goldman from Great Ormond Street Hospital and a team of international safety experts. The conference provides a forum for


health professionals to explore risk by learning lessons from the successes and failures of those working in different industries and walks of life.


be learned from F1 team Principal Ross Brawn, or Dean Richards, former director of Harlequins rugby team? But both presenters delivered hard-hitting messages about teamwork – give individuals what they need to be the best – and making mistakes – hold your hands up if you make a mistake. Other highlights included a debate on


whether litigation improves patient safety, and a session learning from defining moments such as the 7/7 bombings and the BP Deepwater Horizon. A recorded live stream of the


conference is available at www.risky-business.com.


Surgical checklist saves lives


A study conducted in the Netherlands has found that the use of a surgical safety checklist significantly reduces surgical morbidity and mortality. The study, published in the New


England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) on 10 November, says that the World Health Organisation (WHO) Surgical Safety Checklist reduced surgery complications by more than a third, with deaths reduced by


NICE GUIDANCE WATCH


This is a selection of the guidance NICE is expected to publish over the next few months, although publication dates may be subject to change.


almost half. The study was conducted from October 2007 to March 2009. The NPSA has led on the checklist’s


implementation in England and Wales. Dr Suzette Woodward, Director of Patient Safety at the NPSA, said: “The Netherlands study clearly validates what we know about the use of a surgical safety checklist, that it significantly reduces surgical morbidity and mortality.”


January NEWS IN BRIEF


Constitution on reporting concerns Health Bill scrutinised in Parliament


The Health Bill will begin to pass its way through Parliament this year. The Bill, published late last year following a lengthy consultation on the proposals, sets out the biggest change to the NHS in decades. The BMA estimates that the Bill will become an Act by July this year.


GMC publishes audiovisual guidance


The GMC has updated its guidance on using audio and visual recordings of patients. Access the guidance here: www.gmc- uk.org/guidance/index.asp


Watch out for


■ May – GMC fitness to practise stats published


Changes for NICE


The Department of Health has announced some changes to the role of NICE in assessing new medications for the UK. From 2014, a value-


based pricing system will replace NICE’s binding “recommends” or “does not recommend” notice to the NHS, although NICE will continue to appraise new drugs. This system means it is


likely that the government will negotiate directly with the pharmaceutical industry on price, after receiving NICE’s assessment. Health minister Lord Howe, who announced the changes, stressed the ongoing importance of NICE.


Aripiprazole for the treatment of schizophrenia in people aged 15-17 February A clinical guideline on alcohol use disorders: management of alcohol dependence


The diagnosis and assessment of food allergy in children and young people in primary care and community settings


March April Golimumab for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (after failure of previous antirheumatic drugs)


Donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine and memantine for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. This is a review of existing NICE guidance


First ever national guidelines on the recognition and initial management of ovarian cancer


HEADLINES AND DEADLINES


UNITED KINGDOM CASEBOOK | VOLUME 19 | ISSUE 1 | JANUARY 2011 www.mps.org.uk


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