Staff union pledges to do everything it can to implement Government recommendations in the wake of the Francis Inquiry

A union representing NHS staff has vowed to do everything it can to implement the recommendations made by the Government in its official response to the Francis Inquiry.

GMB has said it will meet with Robert Francis QC, who conducted the inquiry into terrible neglect at Stafford Hospital between 2005 and 2009, next month to discuss what it can do to put the new guidelines set out by the Government into effect.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt outlined the Government’s official response to the investigation during a speech to the House of Commons on Tuesday.

He outlined the Government’s objectives in response to the inquiry in a five-step action plan – to put the needs of patients first in an attempt to prevent problems arising, detecting any problems early, taking prompt action, ensuring robust accountability and encouraging strong motivation. Mr Hunt also said a Chief Inspector of Hospitals will be appointed and that all student nurses will be required to work as healthcare assistants before funding is provided for their training.

In its response to Mr Hunt’s speech Rehana Azam, GMB national officer for the NHS said: “GMB welcomed the report by Robert Francis QC which was thorough and its recommendations set out clear responsibilities for all those involved, including addressing the systemic failures by institutions.

“GMB will do everything we can to help fully implement the recommendations and point to stress factors that undermine the compassionate care needed in the NHS.

“GMB consider that the introduction of a legal duty of candour demanded by the report will potentially have a big impact. Such duty would require the NHS to be honest when it makes a mistake.

“Institution’s roles in this will be crucial as the need to create the environment to allow this honesty will require a culture change. The legally enforceable duty of candour will go some way towards changing the culture.

“GMB consider that regulation and scrutiny of institutions will go some way in addressing the systemic failures that were outlined in the report. Focusing on targets and gaining Foundation Trust status as many are expected to do cannot be at the cost of patient care.

“GMB and many others will meet with Robert Francis QC next month to initiate a dialogue so collectively we all work together and understand how best recommendations can be implemented.”