Sets out a timeline containing milestones in the development and implementation of the duty.
Goes on to place the duty in the context of previous calls for enhanced openness and transparency and existing obligations on healthcare professionals.
Takes a detailed look at the recommendations in the Francis report on candour, the English government’s responses and subsequent reports into patient safety.
Goes on to trace the parliamentary journey of the statutory duty, including highlights from relevant committee papers, debates and expert views.
Finally, discusses developments since the introduction of the duty, including the views of the National Health Service Litigation Authority, AvMA, the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman and the establishment of the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch, including the principal of ‘safe spaces’.
Statutory Duty of Candour in England