• We respond to new recommendations to improve investigations and complaint handling in the NHS
• We back calls to secure the independence of the healthcare safety investigation branch
• We say HSIB has valuable role to play but we must clearly define its responsibilities so it can do its job properly

A report by the public administration and constitutional affairs committee (PACAC) sets out recommendations to improve investigations and complaint handling in the NHS. 

These include enshrining the independence of the new investigation body, the healthcare safety investigation branch (HSIB), in primary legislation. 

Responding to the report, the director of policy and strategy at NHS Providers, Saffron Cordery, said:

“This report is important and timely. It highlights the continuing obstacles faced by many patients and families who – as the committee says – should feel confident that lessons will be learned when things go wrong.

There is clearly a need for further progress, and for better evaluation of which approaches work best in tackling the “blame culture” in the NHS.

“We believe the HSIB has a valuable role to play in restoring public confidence and will support it to do that. However, with only weeks to go until it starts work, the concerns identified by the committee over its role and status are troubling. It is vital that we secure the organisation’s independence and more clearly define its responsibilities so that the HSIB can do its job properly.

“The report acknowledges work that is being carried out by NHS Improvement with trusts at local level to improve investigations. However there is clearly a need for further progress, and for better evaluation of which approaches work best in tackling the “blame culture” in the NHS.”