Health Foundation’s response to the Morecambe Bay Investigation report

Commenting on the findings and recommendations set out in the Morecambe Bay Inquiry report, published today, Richard Taunt, Director of Policy at the Health Foundation, said:

'What happened at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust was tragic. We commend this thorough report, and especially the work of those who have fought to bring these issues to light. It is now essential that the report is carefully considered, and lessons are learned not just for the people of Morecambe Bay, but for the whole NHS.

'In particular we are pleased that the Secretary of State has agreed to explore the potential to establish an independent patient safety investigation branch. We think this could be done to enhance how the NHS learns from failure and to help build local investigation skills in the NHS.

'We also strongly endorse the recommendation that the Department of Health review the ‘cumulative effect of new policies and processes’ on providers of care. The need for policymakers to have far greater awareness of the impact of policy on the delivery of care was highlighted in our recent report, Constructive Comfort: accelerating change in the NHS.'

Note to editors

Constructive Comfort: accelerating change in the NHS was co-authored by Clare Allcock (Senior Policy Fellow), Felicity Dormon (Senior Policy Fellow), Richard Taunt (Director of Policy) and Jennifer Dixon (Chief Executive).

The Health Foundation’s Three tests for a credible health policy is also available.

Media contact

Thais Portilho, Senior Public Affairs Manager
T: 020 7257 8027
E: thais.portilho@health.org.uk