NHS culture change 'should happen now'

NHS should not wait for recommendations from the government before making the change in attitude called for by the Francis Inquiry.

That is the view of Robert Francis QC, who chaired the investigation into the Mid-Staffordshire NHS Trust scandal.

The report highlighted the "appalling and unnecessary suffering of hundreds of people" at Stafford Hospital between 2005 and 2009.

As part of almost 300 recommendations, Mr Francis stated the inherent culture within the NHS needs to change.

The government is currently considering a response, but Mr Francis believes these changes should already be taking place.

"Why are we waiting? There is much in this report that doesn't require a change of law, it doesn't require a policy guidance from the Care Quality Commission," he told the King's Fund thinktank.

Mr Francis insisted everyone involved in healthcare can make a positive difference simply by changing their attitude towards care.

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