London Bridge Hospitals priority is to ensure that all patients are cared for in a way that is safe, effective, efficient and fair and that we provide high quality clinical services that meet our patients needs. Clinical governance has been described as the framework in which excellent clinical care will flourish and we are continuing to embed and strengthen our integrated governance (which includes both clinical and non clinical risk management) processes and systems across all areas of the hospital.
Clinical Governance is comprised of seven elements known as ‘pillars’:
Although the CEO has overall responsibility for the quality of care provided by the hospital, he is supported by the CNO, a Director of Clinical Standards, a Clinical Governance Manager and quality working group’s who oversee the development of each of the pillars mentioned above.
The membership and terms of reference for each group is reviewed regularly to ensure adequate representation of appropriate doctors, nurses and therapists and others with useful expertise. We are also keen to ensure the voices of our patients are heard and carry out monthly patient feedback questionnaires and have established a Patient Focus Group which patients are encouraged to attend.
There is an overarching Clinical Governance Strategy and each pillar is supported by an individual and more focused strategy and associated action plans. The strategies and action plans form the basis of the overall Integrated Governance Development Plan which is influenced by Senior Management, Heads of Department and patient and user feedback. Incorporated in this strategy is the external validation of our clinical outcomes. We were the first private hospital to have submitted our data to the Cardiothoracic Audit Database and also take part in the BPEG, Quality Indicator Programme, National Hip Registry and Heart Valve Registry.
In addition to mandatory registration with the Healthcare Commission, we voluntarily seek accreditation from HAQU, ISO etc.
All clinical staff are registered with the appropriate professional bodies. Whilst formal training and education, including university courses, assist in maintaining staff competency , we also have a considerable full range of work-based, in-house workshops which includes basic/advanced life support, infection control, health and safety and customer care.
© 2007 London Bridge Hospital - A leading Private Hospital in London offering the highest standards of clinical skills and nursing care