Dash Review Calls for Overhaul of UK Patient Safety System
NHS England Chair Dr Penny Dash has published a landmark review of the UK’s patient safety landscape, calling for a streamlined, data-driven system to replace the current fragmented model.
The review identifies over 40 organisations with formal safety roles, creating duplication and confusion.
Key Details
- Nine Recommendations: Includes revitalising the National Quality Board, clarifying roles of the CQC and HSSIB, and creating a new directorate for patient experience within NHS England.
- Technology Focus: Advocates for better use of real-time data, digital tools, and staff/patient voice platforms to drive continuous improvement.
- Cultural Shift: Urges boards to take day-to-day ownership of safety, not just respond to incidents.
- Policy Alignment: Informs Chapter 6 of the 10-Year Health Plan, which outlines broader quality reforms.
The review builds on initiatives like PSIRF and LFPSE, but argues that deeper structural change is needed to empower clinical teams and improve outcomes.
What It Means for UK Health Technology
This is a call to action for health tech developers, especially those working in:
- Safety monitoring
- Incident reporting
- Patient experience analytics
A simplified safety system could accelerate adoption of AI tools, predictive analytics, and digital dashboards—provided they align with new standards.
For innovators, the review offers a roadmap to build solutions that are not just compliant, but central to NHS transformation.
