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NHS Employers and NHS Confederation comment on Government announcement to begin the process of revalidation

22 Oct 2012 12:41 PM
Dean Royles welcomes announcement that revalidation will begin in December as a positive step forward, whilst Mike Farrar says revalidation will be a powerful tool for NHS boards.Commenting on the Government's announcement last week that implementation of medical revalidation will begin in December, Dean Royles, director of the NHS Employers organisation, said:

"The Government's decision to start the process of revalidation for doctors will be welcomed by employers as much as it is by patients. It is a very positive step forward and should herald greater patient safety and build confidence. Patients need and expect this. It has been a long time coming. After years of planning and preparation the hard work of implementation now begins in earnest.

"Revalidation is a key part of ensuring safe, modern care for patients. Most importantly, it is crucial for assuring doctors that they are providing the highest levels of service. The introduction of regular tests and more appraisals will help engage doctors positively with the mandatory process of retaining their licence to practise. Many patients will be surprised this isn't happening already.

"This is a big change for doctors and the involvement of employers is key to getting it right. Employers have worked hard with medical directors and will be making sure doctors have the opportunity to take part in an annual appraisal and ensure that organisational systems enable easy access to the clinical governance information doctors require to support that appraisal process.

"We must avoid the trap of thinking that this announcement means the job is done. The implementation of revalidation will be a challenge and requires active commitment. Making sure the process works in practice is what will be key to its success.

"We have been working closely with the BMA, GMC, patient groups and the UK Revalidation Programme Board to bring an important employers’ perspective. We will of course continue to work with doctors through a range of activities in the coming months to help them engage with the process, including webinars and targeted regional workshops for doctors and their Responsible Officers. 

"It would be great to see some of the country's most senior doctors now putting themselves forward to be first in line for revalidation."

Mike Farrar, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, of which NHS Employers is a part, added:

"Revalidation will be a powerful tool to help NHS boards keep a close eye on the quality of service doctors provide to their local populations.

"These new checks will be an opportunity to address the bigger picture of clinical governance. The challenge now for boards is to become engaged with revalidation to ensure it helps deliver a continual improvement in services, medical practice and patient care."

Notes to Editors

The NHS Employers organisation is the recognised body for employers in the NHS, supporting them to put patients first. See www.nhsemployers.org for more information.

Follow NHS Employers on Twitter at @nhsemployers or follow Dean Royles, director of the NHS Employers organisation at @NHSE_Dean.

A full list of NHS Employers press releases and statements can be accessed at our Media Centre.

The NHS Confederation represents all organisations that commission and provide NHS services. It is the only membership body to bring together and speak on behalf of the whole of the NHS. We help the NHS to guarantee high standards of care for patients and best value for taxpayers by representing our members and working together with our health and social care partners.

Follow the NHS Confederation press office on Twitter @NHSConfed_Press

A full list of NHS Confederation press releases and statements can be accessed at our Media Page.

Contact details:

If you have a media enquiry, please contact the press office:

Mike Foster

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Francesca Reville
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