Sir Richard Thompson, president of the Royal College of Physicians, today welcomed the Government’s response to the Francis report. He said:
I welcome the government’s acceptance of nearly all of the recommendations in the Francis report. It is encouraging that the response emphasises the setting and monitoring of quality standards in healthcare. For decades the RCP has taken the lead on these issues, with its programmes of audit and accreditation, and quality improvement projects. In addition, the report of our groundbreaking Future Hospital Commission suggests a radical restructuring of acute care to improve the care of medical patients.
The government acknowledges the contribution of the medical Royal Colleges and their trainees, and underlines that they must in future be fully involved in defining quality standards. We agree, and look forward to continuing our existing work in this area, and undertaking new programmes and projects to try to ensure that the failings of care at Mid-Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust never happen again.
- The RCP’s response to Francis included a pledge to work with the Care Quality Commission and other stakeholders to inform the fundamental, enhanced and developmental standards of care for patients. The RCP is fulfilling this pledge by working on these standards with the DH, CQC, and NICE later this year.
- Read the RCP's earlier Francis response.