NEW laws have come into force in England placing a legal duty on hospital, community and mental health trusts to inform and apologise to patients if there have been mistakes in their care that have led to significant harm.
In a statement the Department of Health said: "The introduction of the Duty of Candour is an important step in ensuring a more honest and open culture in the NHS, particularly when things go wrong. It is a major milestone in the government’s response to the Francis report into Mid Staffordshire, which called for a more open culture in the NHS. It forms part of a wider package of measures designed to support this."
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has published guidance for NHS organisations to help them meet the requirements of the new regulations.
You can access MDDUS' latest advice article on Statutory Duty of Candour here.
This page was correct at the time of publication. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.
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