1. Report of the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Public Inquiry 2013 – Update on Progressing Recommendations in Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust

2. Aim of this document The aim of this document is to provide an update for Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust Board members regarding The Significance of the Francis Reports and Implications for Health Care Governance Action Taken by Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust following publication of the original Inquiry (2010) The key findings from the second Francis Report (2013) The Key Measures from The Government’s Response to the Francis Inquiry (2013)- Patients First and Foremost(March 2013) Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust’s Response to Patients First and Foremost and an Update on Action Progress.

3. The following recommendations were identified for all Trusts All Trust Boards to have access to reliable information on outcomes To conduct objective and robust reviews To focus at all times on safety and quality of services To identify when quality of care falls below acceptable standards - quality care must be provided 24/7 To ensure that preoccupation with finances and strategic objectives does not cause insufficient focus on the quality of patient care To ensure that systems for governance that appear persuasive on paper actually work in practice To ensure that information provided to Boards on performance, including complaints and incidents, does not fail to convey the experience of patients To ensure good handovers when re organisations, mergers and staff changes occur.

4. Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust : Actions in Relation to Governance and Assurance Post the Mid Staffs (Francis) Report 2010 Review of Governance Arrangements During the period December 2011 May 2012, the Trust undertook an in depth review of Governance Arrangements. Board Confirm and Challenge The Trust in 2011 developed an extra level of assurance through the Introduction of Board ‘Confirm and Challenge’. Trust-wide Programmes Board Two core programmes: Transforming Services Programme and Safety Programme.

5. The Governments Response To The Report Of The Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Public Inquiry: Patients First &Foremost (March 2013) The initial Government response “Patients First and Foremost” focussed attention nationally on five key action areas: Preventing problems Detecting problems quickly Taking action promptly Ensuring robust accountability Ensuring staff are trained and motivated

6. Northumberland, Tyne & Wear NHS Foundation Trust’s Response to The Francis Report 2013 Developing a shared set of values Developing a safety culture Working collaboratively with service users and carers Strengthening the role of the Council of Governors Developing a strong and positive medical culture Developing a strong nursing culture and strategy Openness, transparency and candour Review of complaints procedures Using information effectively Developing leadership in the workforce