PwC: Hospitals and other health services must act now

By Rob Starr, Content Manager, Big4.com

Specialists from the PwC healthcare practice say health service providers need to act now rather than wait for the Government to digest the findings of the Francis Report.  John Morris, health sector expert at PwC commented saying there was evidence-based guidance already existing and providers should be using it.  He also said there was a need to ensure that all clinical staff, including nursing auxiliaries, are well-trained and their roles well-managed. At the same time, Morris felt staff at any level should feel free to stand up and say if they think things aren’t right, without fear of any repercussions from their employer, indeed a newly regulated manager might want to thank them for their concerns.

“At the average hospital, nursing auxiliaries account for as much as 40 or 50 per cent of the nursing staff and it’s absolutely vital that their use is properly regulated and monitored to ensure a good standard of patient care,” he said.

Dr Tim Wilson, partner, PwC also commented:

“While the NHS may have been waiting a long time for the Francis Report, on many issues around quality and safety, healthcare organisations already know much of what they need to do to drive improvements,” he said. “Most NHS trusts and other providers have already taken steps to improve the prevention and detection of poor or unsafe care. However there remains significant room for improvement, and NHS boards will be the focus of providing leadership in driving and monitoring improved patient care. The culture of care in an organisation can no longer be considered “too difficult” when known solutions are available.”