Chief Medical Officer publishes report into patient safety following Shipman Inquiry
14/07/2006
Thank you very much for all your hard work, especially as the outcome is better than expected. Can't thank you enough.
Shana, Wiltshire
Today the Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson published his report into patient safety - 'Good doctors, safer patients'.
The report was commissioned by the then Secretary of State for Health, John Reid, following the publication of the fifth report of the Shipman Inquiry, chaired by Dame Janet Smith.
Specialist clinical negligence solicitor Ann Alexander, who represented over 200 families of victims of Harold Shipman said:
"Whilst these proposals go a long way towards adopting many of the recommendations in Dame Janet Smith's report there are still important gaps, notably in the area of death certification which has still not been addressed by this Government but which requires urgent attention.
"The families of Shipman's victims have waited a long time to see the recommendations of the Shipman Inquiry get to this stage, we hope that there is no further delay to these crucial proposals to safeguard patient's lives and safety."
"I am pleased that Sir Liam has used this opportunity to look beyond general practice into the whole NHS to ensure systems implemented will protect patients from unacceptable medical practices."
"Unlike other high risk industries such as Aviation, there is no formal assessment of a doctor's knowledge, competence, clinical skills or performance. Dame Janet Smith in her report was highly critical of the lack of proper regulation within the medical profession and we are pleased that Sir Liam clearly supports her conclusions."
There will now be a consultation period of four months, while Ministers will consider Sir Liam's proposals.
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