Comment on the Department of Health's 'Sign up to Safety' campaign

Commenting on the Department of Health’s Sign up to Safety campaign, Professor Norman Williams, President of the Royal College of Surgeons, said:

“It is vital that hospitals report any patient safety incidents accurately so that staff can learn from them and patients can be reassured that avoidable errors will not happen again.

“It is also important that if patient safety issues are raised, either by staff or patients, that clinicians and managers do not bury their heads in the sand. Early and effective action must be taken to address concerns before the quality of patient care deteriorates.

“All staff who work in the NHS have a responsibility to create an environment of trust and openness, where concerns can be raised, listened to and acted upon in a timely and constructive manner. No-one raising genuine concerns should feel intimidated or have their careers jeopardised for doing the right thing.Today’s announcement is a step in the right direction towards creating a more transparent NHS.”

Notes to editors

The Royal College of Surgeons of England is committed to enabling surgeons to achieve and maintain the highest standards of surgical practice and patient care. Registered charity number: 212808.

• 020 7869 6047/ 6052
• communications@rcseng.ac.uk
• Out-of hours: 07966 486 832