Information request for a copy of our policy or documented procedures which ensure there is no conflict of interest when an Internal Professional Adviser provides clinical advice on a complaint.
I am writing in response to your Freedom of Information request dated 22 May 2015 in which you asked for the following:
"Can you please provide me with a copy of your policy or documented procedures, which ensure there is no conflict of interest when an internal professional advisor to the PHSO offers health advice re: a complaint about an NHS hospital?"
Our conflict of interest policy applies to all staff including clinical advisers.
Clinical advisers are required to declare that they have no conflict of interests when they provide clinical advice on a complaint, please find attached our guidance note for the provision of clinical advice which includes a sample of the clinical advice form filled in by the advisers.
I hope the information is helpful.
FOI/DP Officer
Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman