Hospitals: Standards
Health
Rosie Cooper (West Lancashire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps have been taken by his Department to ensure that (a) patients receive adequate nutrition while in hospital, (b) patients receive adequate hydration while in hospital, (c) patients' toileting needs are adequately met, (d) patients receive adequate pain relief to meet their needs and (e) patients are able to receive help when they ask for it.
Anne Milton (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Public Health), Health; Guildford, Conservative)
There are a great deal of best practice guidance and resources in place that support the delivery of high quality, safe and effective care. This includes ensuring patients receive adequate food and drink, pain relief and help when requested.
The Energising for Excellence Framework being taken forward by the strategic health authority chief nurses, is a total quality approach to improving care. “The Operating Framework for the NHS in England 2012/13” includes requirements to improve the care of older people and dignity and respect, and a national Commissioning for Quality and Innovation (CQUIN) goal relating to the use of the safety thermometer will help focus commissioners and providers on reducing the harm from pressure ulcers, falls, catheter-related infections and blood clots.
At the heart of the health care reforms is a focus on improving the quality and outcomes of health care for patients. One of the NHS Commissioning Board's roles will be to provide national leadership, in driving up the quality of care. The board, along with clinical commissioning groups, will have a legal duty to secure continuous Improvement in the quality of services and outcomes. The Chief Nursing Officer will have a specific remit to improve the safety and people's experience of nursing care.
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