Make Francis report the last of its kind

Wed 06 Feb 2013

Managers’ union welcomes strong, comprehensive second report into the suffering at Mid Staffs

Speaking after the publication of the Francis Report, MiP chief executive Jon Restell said:

'We welcome this strong, comprehensive report that will resonate with MiP members in management throughout the NHS. The thrust of it reinforces the values of public service, compassion and care that lead people to work for the NHS. These values were betrayed by the avoidable suffering of the patients at Stafford hospital. The legacy of their suffering must be permanent cultural change at all levels of the NHS. We must make the Francis report the last of its kind in the NHS.

'There will of course be questions about the detail and how recommendations may work or be resourced, but we welcome the focus on culture, and not structures. For us there are two critical safeguards for care standards: first, strongly motivated and committed staff (both managerial and clinical); and second, listening to patients and carers and acting on their concerns. Better, rather than more, regulation should focus on these two factors.

‘We will study the recommendations and the Government’s initial response. As a union of managers, we welcome this opportunity to change the culture of the NHS. Members are already asking how they can get involved in our work on the Francis agenda.’

The report and summary are available on the Inquiry website