Recommendation BRIS-151: Improve status, training, and qualifications of clinical coding staff for data accuracy
From Bristol Heart Inquiry — Final Report, published 18 July 2001.
Recommendation
Systems for clinical audit and for monitoring performance rely on accurate and complete data. Competent staff, trained in clinical coding, and supported in their work are required: the status, training and professional qualifications of clinical coding staff should be improved.
Government response
No government response to this recommendation is on the record yet.
Delivery
DHSC and NHS England say completed (27 February 2026)
Training for clinical coding is provided via the Clinical Coding Standards Course (CCSC) or via NHS England Apprenticeships in clinical coding.
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 6.2 No. 151, PDF page 138.
What other bodies have found
In their own words. These do not change the delivery statement above.
Thirlwall Inquiry legal team (15 May 2024)
The Government agreed with this recommendation.
In its January 2002 response, the Department of Health said that a re-evaluation of the training infrastructure for clinical coders would commence in 2002, to lead to range of measures to improve their training and career structure.
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 does not colour its Extent of Implementation cell for this recommendation green; it leaves the cell uncoloured where a recommendation was rejected, where evidence of implementation was insufficient, or where steps had been taken but implementation was not yet complete. Table row: section 6.2 No. 151, PDF page 121.
Themes and tags
Who has spoken
- DHSC and NHS England
Delivery statement - Thirlwall Inquiry legal team
Finding