National Clinical Audit extended

Some 11 new areas of medicine will be audited and monitored, according to the Health Secretary Andrew Lansley.

The clinical audits will measure a variety of indicators, depending on the clinical area involved, including mortality, patient feedback, and the dispensing of appropriate treatment.

Results will then be published for the public to further the government's commitment to greater transparency in the NHS.

Mr Lansley stated: "Better data means better quality in the NHS - for patients, for their specialist clinicians, and ... GPs."

"It means patients can make better informed choices. It means specialists can compare themselves with the best and learn the lessons," he continued.

The addition of 11 medical areas to the National Clinical Audit brings the total number of areas undergoing observation to 40.

Clinical audits allow departments to review their efficiency, both in terms of productivity and finance, in addition to their care, treatment provision, diagnosis accuracy, and research.

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