Patient safety Bill announced in Queen's speech

A Bill to fully establish the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch (HSIB) as an arm’s-length body has been one of 26 proposed bills announced in the Queen’s speech at the State Opening of Parliament.

The Queen announced: “New laws will be taken forward to help implement the National Health Service’s long-term plan in England and to establish an independent body to investigate serious healthcare incidents.”

Keith Conradi, HSIB Chief Investigator, said: “This announcement marks the start of a significant change to our organisation that will result in us becoming an independent statutory body with significant legal powers.

The legislation will prohibit the disclosure of information held by the investigations body, except in limited circumstances. This will allow participants to be candid in the information they provide and ensure thorough investigations.

The Bill will also improve the quality and effectiveness of local investigations by developing standards and providing advice, guidance and training to organisations.

There will also be a pledge to update the Mental Health Act to reduce the number of detentions made under the act.

Read Queen's speech in full

Read HSIB's response