PHSO’s ‘Information Promise’ welcomed by MPS, but more rationale on redress payments is needed

In response to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman’s (PHSO) Information Promise consultation, which closes today, the Medical Protection Society (MPS) has welcomed the commitment of the Ombudsman’s office to safeguard the sensitive information it holds. MPS is however hoping that there will be a greater level of transparency when it comes to reasons for recommending redress payments.

We feel that this is a fundamental issue of transparency and fairness that needs to be addressed

MPS Director of Policy and Communications, Dr Stephanie Bown, said: “In the past we have had difficulties obtaining the reasoning behind decisions to recommend redress payments. We hope that the PHSO’s Information Promise will pave the way for greater transparency in explaining why and how these payment figures have been recommended.

“This is important if the Ombudsman’s office is to demonstrate its decisions as fair and proportionate, but to also help GPs and their practice teams understand the complaints process and the potential outcomes of a complaint that has been escalated to this level.

“We know there may be technical difficulties with making some of this information available, due to current legislation, but we feel that this is a fundamental issue of transparency and fairness that needs to be addressed.”

View MPS’s response to the PHSO’s consultation.

More information

For further information or to arrange an interview please contact: Kelly Ley-Dahm, Media Relations Manager on +44 (0) 20 7399 1428 or at Kelly.Ley-Dahm@mps.org.uk