Government details positive impact of Francis Inquiry on NHS

The launch of the Francis Inquiry one year ago has had a significant and positive impact on the development of the NHS, according to the Department of Health.

A report has been issued by the government detailing the so-called "Francis Effect", a series of changes and improvements that have taken place within the health service since the inquiry into care failings at the Mid-Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust.

Since then, an extra 2,400 hospital nurses have been hired, 14 hospitals in special measures have begun the process of being turned round, and nearly 40 percent of hospitals now have the name of a senior responsible doctor above patients' beds.

Additionally, nearly 1.6 million patients have given direct feedback on what they thought about their treatment through the Friends and Family Test, helping to make the NHS more responsive to patients' needs.

Health secretary Jeremy Hunt said: "We have seen a real shift in priorities – new inspections, more nurses and a stronger voice for patients, with compassionate care starting to replace tick-box targets as the major focus on boards and wards."

Further reforms taking place within the NHS in response to the Francis Report over the coming months include the introduction of mandatory safe staffing levels and the launch of a new national safety website.