Patient safety and HCAIs are areas in which the NHS is very active and the NHS European Office worked to ensure that the actions set out in the Recommendation are in line with existing NHS initiatives and activities. This is important because, although not legally enforcable, the agreement represents a strong political commitment from ministers to take action in the areas covered.
The text was based on proposals put forward by the European Commission, drawing on the results of a public consultation, which the NHS European Office responded to in spring 2008. Alongside the draft recommendations, the Commission also produced a communication (policy paper) covering a range of patient safety related issues and highlighting the importance of a comprehensive approach.
Actions highlighted in the Recommendation include: the use of patient safety reporting and learning systems; embedding patient safety in the education and training of health professionals; and public and patient involvement and information on patient safety. As regards HCAIs, a range of infection prevention and control measures are recommended.
Next steps
The UK Government and governments of the other EU countries will be required to report to the European Commission on their progress in implementing the measures in 2 years' time. The European Commission must then produce a report on the basis of this information on the extent to which the arrangements put in place are working effectively and considering the need for further action.
In the meantime, the European Commission will facilitate informal cooperation between EU countries through a Patient Safety and Quality of Care Working Group. The National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) is a key stakeholder in this process and the NHS European Office will continue to work with the Agency and monitor the progress of this work.