Recommendation 9: National patient recall framework
From Report of the Independent Inquiry into the Issues raised by Paterson, published 4 February 2020.
Recommendation
We recommend that a national framework or protocol, with guidance, is developed about how recall of patients should be managed and communicated. This framework or protocol should specify that the process is centred around the patient’s needs, provide advice on how recall decisions are made, and advise what resource is required and how this might be provided. This should apply to both the independent sector and the NHS.
In brief (written by this site)
The Inquiry recommended creating a national framework to guide NHS and independent sector patient recalls. In commentary of September 2024, published in February 2026, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and NHS England stated that the National Quality Board (NQB) published the framework in 2022 to guide patient-centred recall and that the Care Quality Commission (CQC) incorporated it into assessments (DHSC and NHS England, Feb 2026). Earlier, in May 2024, the Thirlwall Inquiry legal team noted that the framework had been published in June 2022 following the government's acceptance of the recommendation in full (The Thirlwall Inquiry legal team, May 2024).
AI-generated summary of the record on this page, checked by a second model and automatic checks, 12 Oct 2026. The record below is the sources' own words.
Government response
Accept
A national framework has been developed that outlines actions to be taken by organisations in both the NHS and the independent sector in the event of a patient recall. The NQB will own the framework, which will be published in 2022 and periodically updated.
The government accepts this recommendation in full, and recognises the need for a consistent approach and experience of recall for both patients and clinicians.
Delivery
DHSC and NHS England say completed (27 February 2026)
The National Quality Board (NQB) Recall Framework was published in 2022 to provide guidance on conducting a patient-centred recall process. CQC has incorporated the Recall Framework into its assessment process to ensure it is being used appropriately.
Site note: DHSC and NHS England's own account of progress, supplied to the Thirlwall Inquiry in September 2024 and printed in the Inquiry legal team's Review of Implementation of Recommendations from Previous Inquiries into Healthcare Issues (version dated April 2025, published 27 February 2026). It is not a finding of the Inquiry. Their reviewed extent of implementation reads “Implemented – Closed”. Table row: section 29.2 No. P6 / Action 6.1, PDF page 744-745.
DHSC states no delivery position (15 May 2024)
Action 6.1
The National Quality Board (NQB) Recall Framework was published in 2022 to provide guidance on conducting a patient-centred recall process. CQC has incorporated the Recall Framework into its assessment process to ensure it is being used appropriately.
From: The Thirlwall Inquiry: Review of Implementation of Recommendations from Previous Inquiries into Healthcare Issues (version of 15 May 2024), The Department of Health and Social Care
Site note: DHSC's own comments on progress, supplied to the Thirlwall Inquiry in February 2024 and printed in the Inquiry legal team's Review of Implementation of Recommendations from Previous Inquiries into Healthcare Issues (version of 15 May 2024). They are not a finding of the Inquiry. Table row: section 26.2 No. P6 / Action 6.1, PDF page 742.
Department of Health and Social Care says in progress (15 December 2022)
The new National Patient Recall Framework was published on 1 June 2022. NHSE, CQC and IHPN have signposted relevant organisations to this new guidance.
What other bodies have found
In their own words. These do not change the delivery statement above.
Thirlwall Inquiry legal team (15 May 2024)
Action 6.1:
Accepted by the government in full.
A national framework has been developed that outlines actions to be taken by organisations in both the NHS and the independent sector in the event of a patient recall.
The National Patient Recall Framework was published in June 2022.
Site note: The Thirlwall Inquiry legal team's own notes on implementation, from its Review of Implementation of Recommendations from Previous Inquiries into Healthcare Issues (version of 15 May 2024). The review colours its Extent of Implementation cell for this recommendation green, which it uses to mark evidence, identified by the legal team, that a recommendation has been clearly implemented. Table row: section 26.2 No. P6 / Action 6.1, PDF page 742.
Source
Responsible bodies
Themes and tags
Who has spoken
- Department of Health and Social Care
Response, delivery statement - DHSC and NHS England
Delivery statement - DHSC
Delivery statement - Thirlwall Inquiry legal team
Finding