Consultation on ‘Being Open’ Framework and Duty of Candour launched
Date published:
The Department of Health has launched a public consultation asking for views on the draft ‘Being Open’ Framework and the establishment of a Duty of Candour in Northern Ireland.
The Framework aims to address some of the recommendations made in the 2018 report from the Inquiry into Hyponatraemia Related Deaths (IHRD) by Justice O’Hara KC, which made a number of recommendations around the Duty of Candour.
It has been developed involving statutory and voluntary and community stakeholders, as well as service users, carers, staff from HSC organisations and independent health sector organisations.
The consultation is seeking views on the draft Framework which aims to ensure that;
- all people in contact with HSC organisations can expected to be treated in an open, fair and compassionate way;
- patients and those close to them will be listened to, understood and treated with respect;
- HSC staff have visible, engaged and inclusive leadership and;
- Senior Leaders will listen to concerns and create safe spaces for learning.
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: “Openness and honesty are critical to safe and effective health care. We want to create a culture in which staff feel safe, supported and empowered to speak up when things are not as they should be, in the certainty that their concerns will be listened to and acted upon; where the public can have complete confidence that if the care received has not been as it should be, they will be informed quickly and accurately about what has happened.
“The ‘Being Open’ Framework aims to ensure that individuals within our health and social care system are fully empowered to exercise candour and openness, and that HSC organisations have in place the necessary support and systems required to enable and nurture a truly open culture.
“The Framework provides a consistent regional approach to the practical arrangements and principles to be followed by HSC Trusts in order to create a culture of openness where trust can flourish between organisations, their staff and the people who use their services.
“Ensuring we have a Framework in place that can deliver the tools to build that trust and openness is key. I would encourage the public to have their say.”
The consultation is open for 14 weeks and closes on 21 March 2025.
The consultation documents and details on how to respond are available on the DOH website at https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/consultations/being-open-framework-consultation and citizen space.
Notes to editors:
- Written responses can be submitted to the following address:
Being Open / Duty of Candour Branch
Department of Health
Room D2.1
Castle Buildings, Stormont Estate
Belfast
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