Minimum safe staffing levels should be drawn up by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence and policed by the Care Quality Commission, according to the Francis report.
The Mid Staffordshire Foundation Trust public inquiry report, written by Robert Francis QC and published today, recommended that NICE develop “evidence-based tools for establishing the staffing needs of each service” in the NHS, both in terms of staff numbers and skill mix.
“These tools should be created after appropriate input from specialties, professional organisations, and patient and public representatives, and consideration of the benefits and value for money of possible staff-patient ratios,” the report said.
It said they should act as a practical means of measuring compliance with “fundamental standards” that should be policed by the CQC.
“These measures need to be readily understood and accepted by the public and healthcare professionals,” the report said.
“Adoption of these practices, or at least their equivalent, is likely to help ensure patients’ safety,” it added.
The report noted that where NICE was unable to produce relevant procedures, metrics or guidance, the CQC should seek assistance from the royal colleges or other appropriate organisations.
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