RCS England responds to HSSIB report on NHS Advice and Guidance services

The Health Services Safety Investigations Body (HSSIB) has published a report examining the use of Advice and Guidance (A&G) services within the NHS. The report identifies strong support for the model where it is implemented effectively, while also highlighting evidence that poor implementation and inadequate monitoring can contribute to patient harm, including delayed or missed diagnoses and delays to treatment. The Royal College of Surgeons of England contributed evidence to the investigation. 

Responding to the findings of the report, Mr Tim Lane, President of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, said:

"Advice and Guidance services can bring real benefits for patients, improving communication between GPs and hospital specialists and helping people access expert advice more quickly. Used well, they are a valuable part of modern surgical care.

"But this report rightly identifies that, where these services are poorly implemented or underresourced, they can carry real risks to patients, including delays to diagnosis and treatment. We welcome HSSIB's recommendation for a proper evaluation of these services before they are expanded further, and we were pleased to contribute to the investigation. Patient safety must remain the priority as these models are rolled out.

"Two points matter particularly to surgeons. First, giving specialist advice on a patient a surgeon has not met, often on limited information, is a significant clinical responsibility, and lines of accountability must be clear. Second, this is skilled clinical work, not administration. As demand grows, consultants need protected, properly job-planned time to provide advice safely. Our own research into how surgeons spend their working week shows how often this kind of work is currently absorbed into already stretched schedules.

"We look forward to working with NHS England, HSSIB and others to ensure these services support rather than compromise safe, timely care for surgical patients."

ENDS

Notes to editors

1, The full Health Services Safety Investigations Body (HSSIB) report, is available here; Electronic patient record systems – electronic referrals for ongoing care

2. The Royal College of Surgeons of England is a professional membership organisation and registered charity, which exists to advance surgical standards and improve patient care.

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