Consultation outcome: The appointment and operation of the Patient Safety Commissioner (6 January 2021)

Summary

The UK Government committed to establishing a Patient Safety Commissioner for England in the Medicines and Medical Devices Act 2021. The decision to create this role came about as a result of a specific recommendation in First Do No Harm: The Report of the Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Review (also known as the Cumberlege Review), published in July 2020.

The Department of Health and Social Care held a consultation asking for comments on the proposed arrangements for the appointment and operation of the new Patient Safety Commissioner between 10 June and 5 August 2021. This report analyses responses from the public and other interested parties.

Content

Below is the Department of Health and Social Care’s summary of the responses to the consultation:

• There were 61 respondents, comprised of 34 organisations and 27 individuals, responded to this consultation.
• 59% agreed or strongly agreed that the Commissioner should serve a term of 3 years.
• 64% agreed or strongly agreed that the Commissioner should be eligible for reappointment for an additional term of 3 years and that they may resign or be removed by the Secretary of State.
• 87% agreed or strongly agreed that the Commissioner should be remunerated.
• 69% agreed or strongly agreed that the Secretary of State should fund the operation of the Commissioner.
• 83% agreed or strongly agreed that the Commissioner should routinely publish a business plan to describe their strategic priorities for the coming year.
• 91% agreed or strongly agreed that the Commissioner must keep statements of accounts each financial year and provide the Secretary of State with a copy.
• 68% strongly agreed that the Commissioner should publish an annual report.
• 91% agreed or strongly agreed that the Commissioner should appoint an advisory board.
• 80% agreed or strongly agreed that the Commissioner should be able to delegate responsibilities to staff members within their office.

Related reading

• A year on from the Cumberlege Review: Initial reflections on the Government’s response (Patient Safety Learning, 23 July 2021)
• Patient Safety Commissioner for England: Consultation Response (Patient Safety Learning)
• The Patients Association's response to the consultation on the appointment and operation of the Patient Safety Commissioner for England