Ombudsman responds to PACAC review of quality of NHS investigations report

Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman Julie Mellor said:

Our recent report highlighted the worrying variation in the quality of NHS complaints investigations and has supported the select committee (PACAC) in its scrutiny of government.

'We are pleased the committee's report highlights our recommendation to improve the quality of investigations into complaints of avoidable harm through the training and accreditation of local investigators.

'This will help give the public greater confidence that their concerns will be thoroughly investigated and they will have a proper explanation of what happened including whether or not something went wrong in the treatment they or a loved one received.'