PASC announces a renewed focus on Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman’s reports
9 September 2014
The Public Administration Select Committee (PASC) has resolved to press the Government for action on Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman recommendations more vigorously than in the past.
Wednesday’s session marks the first time in this parliament that PASC are holding evidence sessions on the government's response to these reports, following the National Audit Office and Public Accounts Committee model.
Chairman Bernard Jenkin MP said:
When people complain about public services they deserve to be heard. The Ombudsman’s reports we are focusing on this week highlight cases where people have been repeatedly failed, not only by their hospitals but by those responsible for running healthcare across the country. We are taking up these reports to make sure that the Government takes action now to save thousands of lives.
PHSO have welcomed as “great news” PASC’s decision to hold sessions on progress in implementing its reports.
Hearing evidence
As the first example of this way of working, PASC will take oral evidence from two panels of healthcare experts in a one-off evidence session at 9.30am on Wednesday, following up the Ombudsman’s reports into severe sepsis and midwifery supervision and regulation.
Witnesses
Health Minister Dr Daniel Poulter MP, NICE chair Professor David Haslam, UK Sepsis Trust Chair Ron Daniels, and NHS England’s Director for Patient Safety, Dr Mike Durkin, will give evidence to the Committee on the conclusions and recommendations of the Ombudsman’s report into severe sepsis.
Joining Health Minister Dr Poulter to give evidence on the Ombudsman’s report on midwifery supervision and regulation from 10.30am is a panel of experts comprising Jackie Smith, Chief Executive of the Nursing and Midwifery Council; Juliet Beal, Director of Nursing for Quality Improvement and Care, NHS England; Richard Murray, Director of Policy at the Kings Fund; and Elizabeth Duff, Senior Policy Adviser at NCT.
Topics to be covered
Particular issues to be explored in this evidence session may include:
Sepsis
- To what extent the Ombudsman’s recommendations in Time to Act Severe Sepsis: rapid diagnosis and treatment saves lives have been implemented.
- The adequacy of progress made to date.
Midwifery supervision and regulation
- To what extent the Ombudsman’s recommendations in Midwifery supervision and regulation: recommendations for change have been implemented.
- The adequacy of progress made to date.