The body that deals with concerns over the professional practice of doctors, pharmacists and dentists is to become an operating division of the NHS Litigation Authority.
From April next year, the National Clinical Assessment Service (NCAS) will move from being hosted by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).
Catherine Dixon, chief executive of the litigation authority, said: “I am delighted that NCAS is becoming part of the NHS Litigation Authority. Together we can continue to develop the work NCAS has already begun to create a more flexible and customer-focused service for the NHS.”
The NCAS runs a 24-hour advice line for clinicians, health managers and commissioners as well as support, education and clinical assessment services. The litigation authority and NCAS share a common goal, and complementary expertise, to improve patient safety in the NHS and in healthcare more broadly.
Sir Andrew Dillon, chief executive of NICE, said: “We will be pleased to work with NCAS and the [litigation authority] on the transfer. This will be completed by 1 April, 2013 and will mark the end of our agreed one-year hosting period.”
NCAS governance responsibilities will transfer to the board of the litigation authority, chaired by Dame Joan Higgins.
Interim director of NCAS, Lynn Hugo, added: “The Department has acknowledged the considerable amount of work that NCAS has already begun on the development of a more flexible service model. We know there is more to do and we will now be able to progress this work together with our [litigation authority] colleagues from a stable platform within the NHS.’”
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