PHT Public Trust Board Papers March 2011.pdf - Plymouth Hospitals

Item 2
22/11 Chairman’s Introductory Remarks
The Chairman stated that the Board’s discussions during the
morning had focused on issues of patient safety, business
management and leadership.
23/11 Chief Executive’s Overview
The Chief Executive briefed the Board on issues of topical
interest.
Care Quality Commission (CQC)
The Chief Executive updated the Board on the outcome of the
meeting with the CQC
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on 22 February, on the implications of the
CQC’s regulatory response resulting from the Trust’s inadequate
compliance with the WHO’s surgical safety checklist and the
subsequent service of a warning notice requiring compliance
within 28 days. The CQC would make public a full report on
their visit and the Trust was required to produce a robust and
comprehensive action plan to address their concerns.
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The main points of the Board’s discussions were:
• Assurance to the public that patient safety was the top
priority for the Board.
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• Ensuring that every member of staff understood their own
responsibilities for patient safety and that in every
operating theatre there was a single accountable person.
• An observational audit across all theatres and a single,
mandatory,
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WHO checklist had been implemented.
Identification of non-compliance may involve disciplinary
action. Executive Board members were working closely
with nursing and medical leads to support them in the
delivery of this.
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• The importance of positive and productive discussions
with the CQC; the fostering of a good relationship
between the Trust and its Regulator was crucial in
assisting regulators to do their work.
Health Service Ombudsman’s Report on Care of the Elderly
This national report was disturbing and highlighted the
responsibilities involved in the care of this large and vulnerable
group. The Chief Executive had visited ward staff on the day of
the report’s publication and there was a shared sense of
personal responsibility – which extended through the Trust and
included the Board – that all staff could learn from the case
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