The Bristol report: Helen Caulfield, policy adviser to the RCN, discusses the Bristol Royal Infirmary Report and what implications it has for practice nurses. (Policy Issues).

KEY POINTS

* The Bristol Royal Infirmary Report has been the product of the longest and most expensive public inquiry in the NHS in England. (1)

* Many of its recommendations will affect the manner in which all UK practice nurses carry out their work.

* This report gives practice nurses a wonderful opportunity to reflect on their own skills and values.

Although the Bristol Royal Infirmary Report focused on the events at one particular acute hospital in south west England, the recommendations that were made have implications for all healthcare practitioners in all parts of the NHS.

The Bristol Royal Infirmary Report has been the product of the longest and most expensive public inquiry in the NHS in England. (1) The evidence took more than two years to compile and the 500-page final report contains no fewer than 198 recommendations; it was compiled by a panel chaired by Professor Ian Kennedy.

Many of the recommendations contained in Professor Kennedy's report will affect the manner in which practice nurses carry out their work and relate not just to the way in which patients are treated but also to the contract of employment of individual practice nurses, their professional development and the way in which GP practices are managed.

The report recommendations are contained in eight sections and the Government is keen to collect reactions from the health service to them.

RESPECT AND HONESTY

This first section of the report looks at the manner in which the NHS has failed to provide a service that places patients at the centre of the system.

The recommendations focus on shifting the emphasis away from the paternalistic approach, where clinicians decide what is needed and expect patients to accept this without involvement or question.

The Kennedy Report places a strong emphasis on how respect for the patient and honesty in the clinical relationship can be achieved.

Practice nurses will be familiar with many of the principles that are highlighted in this section. Clear mechanisms for sharing information with patients are called for and communication with patients should be improved so that …