Issue - meetings

The Board considered a resume of the Francis Report – the independent inquiry into the care provided by Mid-Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust prompted by unusually high hospital mortality statistics.

Its recommendations and conclusions were many and far reaching with implications for commissioners and providers far beyond those of healthcare.  The report found that the failures at the Trust were essentially failures of culture and systems and did not single out any 1 individual for blame.

Discussion ensued on the report with the following points highlighted/raised:-

-          “Humanity” was missing from the Trust

-          Each organisation of Rotherham’s Board should report on what actions they were taking in respect of the Report

-          A “mirror” should be held up to commissioners and scrutiny to ascertain that the same failures were not occurring

-          The Report referred to some form of Annual Statement but it was not known what it would look like at the present time

-          Interaction across organisations was fundamental

It was noted that there was to be a Seminar on the Francis Report on Thursday, 18^th April, 2013, commencing at 11.30 a.m.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the findings of the Francis Report be acknowledged.

(2)  That the Board ensures that all commissioning and provision of Healthcare in Rotherham follows the principles and recommendations laid out in the Report.

(3)  That, as a minimum, all Rotherham healthcare providers, commissioners  and Scrutiny submit evidence that supports their assurances that their organisation and practices were in line with all the Francis recommendations and, in particular, in relation to safe staffing levels and the prioritisation of patient safety ahead of financial pressure.