Press release: National Clinical Assessment Authority
08 Jan 2001
The NHS Confederation today welcomed the creation of the National Clinical Assessment Authority (NCAA). Chief Executive, Stephen Thornton, said, "the majority of doctors provide a first class service to patients, but there are some that clearly have not. Existing mechanisms for dealing with poorly performing doctors have failed to protect patients adequately. We have high hopes that this new authority will give the NHS a quicker less bureaucratic way of dealing with poor performance and drive up quality for patients."
In its response to Supporting Doctors, Protecting Patients, published in December 1999, the Confederation argued that restoring public confidence in the clinical management of the NHS was vital. In particular, current procedures in primary care have proved laborious and difficult to use. The Confederation is pleased that the NCAA will cover both hospital doctors and GPs. This initiative together with new revalidation proposals should go a long way to reassuring the public and building new confidence in the medical profession.
Stephen Thornton also welcomed the appointment of Jane Wesson, a member of the Confederation's Human Resources committee as appointed chair. "Jane is a very able and experienced chair, who has been active in the NHS Confederation for some time. I am delighted that she has been appointed as Chair of NCAA."
Ends
Notes for editors
- The NHS Confederation is uniquely placed to be the voice of NHS management, as the only membership body for all NHS organisations. Our members include more than 95% of NHS trusts and health authorities in England and Wales; primary care groups; health boards in Scotland; and health and social services trusts and boards in Northern Ireland. The new English primary care trusts have joined.
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