It was one of the most eagerly − and nervously − anticipated reports in the history of the NHS. Yet the feeling among experts gathered to discuss Robert Francis’s weighty tome was one of anti-climax, reports Alison Moore

The Francis report may be remembered as a symbol of a changing NHS rather than for its detailed recommendations, many of which are incoherent, over-complicated and even simply unnecessary.

That was the message from a panel of experts at an HSJ roundtable to discuss the report last week, sponsored by healthcare law firm Capsticks.

Download HSJ’s special report from the Francis report roundtable debate free.

Participants in the debate

Alastair McLellan, HSJ editor and roundtable chair

Peter Carter, chief executive at the Royal College of Nursing

Harry Cayton, chief executive at the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care

Niall Dickson, chief executive and registrar at the General Medical Council

Nigel Edwards, senior fellow at the King’s fund and director of the global healthcare group at KPMG

Gerard Hanratty, partner at Capsticks

Ruth Holt, director of nursing at the NHS Confederation

Neil Hunt, chief executive at the Royal College of General Practitioners

Dr Mark Newbold, chief executive at Heart of England foundation Trust

Ali Parsa, former chief executive at Circle, attending in a personal capacity

Jeremy Taylor, chief executive at National Voices

HSJ’s Francis report roundtable round-up is free to download.