MPS response to the Department of Health's consultation on implementing a ‘Duty of Candour’

A new contractual requirement on providers

MPS welcomes the opportunity to comment on the proposals to implement a new contractual requirement on providers. We believe that a cultural shift is what is needed to achieve greater openness and trust with patients and have concerns that the proposed contractual mechanism will not promote or support improved communications between healthcare professionals and patients.

It is well known that poor communication and staff attitudes are the main reasons for complaints in the NHS. What patients want when something goes wrong is the truth, an open and honest explanation of what happened, why and an apology where that is due.

We are wholly committed to promoting openness in healthcare and have long supported and advised our members to be open with patients when something has gone wrong. We believe healthcare organisations must actively support their staff in fulfilling professional and ethical obligations to be open with patients, by providing ongoing support, training, mentorship and senior clinicians who will lead by example.

Read the full response document here >>