HC Deb 18 February 1998 vol 306 cc711-2W
Mr. Simon Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the procedure for investigating the deaths of children as a result of medical error; and what plans he has to improve the accountability of the medical profession. [30208]

Mr. Boateng

Each National Health Service is responsible for investigating untoward incidents whether or not they have led to patient injury or death. Guidelines have been issued to the NHS on the reporting and investigation of incidents under the title "Risk Management in the NHS".

The White Paper "The New NHS" sets out plans to introduce a process of "clinical governance" in every NHS trust to help ensure that proper processes are in place for assuring and improving clinical quality.