Ensuring quality
The purpose of Clinical Governance is to build Netcare into an accountable, learning healthcare organisation that prides itself on providing world class, high quality patient care that is cost effective.
The WHO recommends that all healthcare organisations should:
- Pay closest possible attention to patient safety
- Establish science-based systems to improve patient safety
- Promote framing of evidence-based policies including global standards to improve patient care
- Develop mechanisms through accreditation and other means to recognise excellence in health care and patient safety
- Encourage research into patient safety
Clinical Governance is defined as “a framework through which healthcare organisations are accountable for continuously improving the quality of their services and safeguarding high standards of care by creating an environment in which excellence in clinical care will flourish”.
The way in which we practise medicine (as doctors) and provide patient care (as nurses and allied health professionals) is the central pillar of Clinical Governance. It requires us to examine the medical literature and international best practice for the most up to date clinical practices. Netcare has developed bespoke clinical treatment pathways for a variety of procedures. Treatment guidelines are developed, which provides a guide on the acceptable practice in care. The development of these guidelines will be ongoing by Specialist Expert Teams in consultation with doctors, nursing staff and hospital management.
Clinical risk management
Clinical Risk Management is well established within Netcare. It involves minimising clinical risk and improving overall clinical safety through the identification of potential risks and examination of adverse events happening to patients. It also identifies trends within a business unit. Utilising the techniques of clinical investigation, root cause analysis and clinical audit, the primary causal factors are highlighted and action plans instituted to minimise risk and improve patient safety.
Medical Advisory Committees (MAC)
Netcare has formed MACs in its various units. These committees includes NHS consultants, GPs, members of the UK’s Royal Colleges and Netcare consultants. They provide an open forum for discussions on subjects such as advances in medicine, best care and ongoing development. Members of the MAC will be required to advise the Netcare Board of Directors, CEO and Medical Director of all matters related to Clinical Governance. They also play a role in advising on the highest possible standards, and issues such as audit, appraisal of medical staff, revalidation and risk management in clinical scenarios.