Continuously Improving

Clinical Governance

On April 1, 1999, CCO was required to put in place structural arrangements to achieve sound Clinical Governance within the Trust. Clinical Governance is defined by the Department of Health as "the framework through which NHS 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."

A Clinical Practice Development Unit was established at CCO to oversee and co-ordinate a range of activities to ensure that we do achieve Clinical Governance.

The Unit, led by a consultant clinical oncologist and supported by a nurse and a therapy radiographer, has had a busy year, building upon the developments already in progress and initiating new programmes.

There are seven pillars upon which Clinical Governance is based and work is underway in these areas:

• Audit/Clinical Effectiveness
• Risk Management
• Information Technology
• Drugs and Therapeutics
• Research and Development
• Education
• Professional and Human Resource Development.

Achievements in the first year have included:

• developments to introduce definitive clinical protocols
• the updating of a Nursing Procedures Manual
• expansion of comprehensive work instructions for Radiotherapy
• improvements in Patient Treatment Information.

Work in 2000/01 will build on these achievements and the integration of responsibilities and activities already in place.

Our Core Purpose

• to provide the best possible standards of care and continuous improvement in cancer treatment, care and support
• to promote and support research into cancer treatment and care.

Our Aims

These are to:

• provide a quality, responsive range of treatment and care services for people affected by cancer, together with support for them, their families and carers
• Provide a safe, welcoming and comfortable environment for patients and their families
• ensure that patients are involved in the planning and delivery of services and that they have sufficient understanding of their illness to make informed choices about their care, if that is their wish
• work closely with other health care professionals and care providers to ensure effective and co-ordinated delivery of services to meet health and social needs
• support excellent clinical practice together with research and development and thereby provide continuously improving clinical standards in treatment, care and supporT
• provide a safe, supportive and stimulating working environment for staff which offers teaching and learning opportunities for all
• ensure financial stability in order to meet all these aims