WIREDGOV

The NHS continues to make strides to becoming the most transparent and open healthcare system possible.

In response to the Secretary of State for Health’s announcement of a “learning from mistakes league table” for the NHS, Rob Webster, Chief Executive, NHS Confederation said: 

“The NHS continues to make strides to becoming the most transparent and open healthcare system possible. The NHS Confederation has always welcomed the Secretary of State’s efforts achieve this outcome. But this continuing focus on transparency must be matched by a responsible approach to data with appropriate communications that allow for the right interpretation to be made. The creation of a league table and crude ratings fails both these tests. 

If the intention is to recognise that data can help begin a conversation that prompts reflection, learning and action, then there is a real risk that this approach will start the conversation in the wrong place. The consequence is that learning will be lost in the heat of the crude ratings rather than exposed in the light of new insight and curiosity.”

RELATED LINKS

NHS culture: lessons from NHS Confederation members