NHS Alliance

Two vital measures – whether clinical care has been compromised and whether patient safety has been put at risk – have both deteriorated over the past three years.

That is the conclusion of a nationwide survey of GP practices carried out by the NHS Alliance, the independent body that represents primary care. The Alliance has carried out three previous surveys, in 2005, 2007 and 2008.

The 2010 investigation found:

 • More than half of the GP practices surveyed – 57% - have seen patient safety put at risk in the past year because of poor discharge information. 

• 7 out of 10 doctors say they have experienced instances in the past year where the clinical care of patients has been compromised because discharge information was late, incomplete, or both. 

• When asked about the past three years, 9 out of 10 say clinical care has been compromised and 77% say patient safety has been compromised. 

• Only half of GPs say the information provided is complete and accurate. 

However punctuality has improved following new standards, introduced by the Department of Health in 2008 as a direct result of the work of the NHS Alliance. A third of those surveyed said there had been some improvement since April 2009. 

NHS Alliance chairman Dr Michael Dixon said:

 “The Department of Health responded swiftly when we found that discharge information was being delayed, often by weeks or months. Now one in three GPs are getting discharge summaries within 48 hours.

“Punctuality is essential, but it is not sufficient. We have found that critical information about medicines and diagnostic tests is missing or inaccurate. That can put patients at risk and lead to avoidable re-admission to hospital. 

“We are now calling on the Department to take action again to ensure hospitals understand that providing medical information to their patients GPs is a vital part of their role.”

ENDS. 

Notes to editors:

1. The 4th NHS Alliance survey of discharge information was carried out in February, when the national standard contract required hospitals to provide discharge information to GPs within 48 hours of the patient's discharge. 124 GP practices responded, from 67 Primary Care Trust areas. In addition, 3 PCT managers with responsibility for commissioning or clinical audit also responded. All Strategic Health Authority areas were represented. Previous discharge information surveys were carried out in 2005, 2007 and 2008. The NHS Alliance took the results of the first two surveys to the Department of Health, which responded swiftly to introduce new rules requiring the prompt provision of discharge summaries. These earlier surveys initially focused on late information; however, it became apparent from the response that inaccurate or incomplete information also affected patient care.  <media 1405>Read full report.</media>

2. The NHS Alliance is the only independent body that brings together primary care trusts’ chief executives and other senior managers, doctors and practice managers, nurses, pharmacists and allied health professionals, along with board chairs and members. We are a value-driven organisation, with no political affiliation, which works in partnership with various bodies associated with the NHS to create a progressive health service that is free from the traditional tribalism of single interest groups.

 3. For more information, please email pressoffice@nhsalliance.org or call 07772756674.