Independent Reviews

Independent review examining the operational effectiveness of the Care Quality Commission, including its single assessment framework, inspection rates, clinical expertise among inspectors, and IT systems. An interim report was published in July 2024 with 5 recommendations; the full report followed in October 2024.

Independent investigation diagnosing the state of the NHS in England. Found the NHS was in critical condition with falling performance across virtually all metrics, chronic underinvestment in primary and community care, and workforce shortages.

Independent review of gender identity services for children and young people in England. Found the service provided by the Tavistock was not safe or viable, with insufficient evidence for the use of puberty blockers in under-18s.

Independent investigation into serious maternity and neonatal service failings at East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust between 2009 and 2020. Examined care provided to over 200 families and found a pattern of poor care, lack of compassion, and failure to respond to challenge.

Independent review examining leadership and management across health and social care in England. Identified cultural, structural and talent management weaknesses and proposed system-wide changes to leadership standards, accreditation and career pathways for NHS managers.

Independent review commissioned by DHSC examining how NHS patient data can be better used for research and analysis while maintaining privacy. Published April 2022 with 205 recommendations across five chapters.

Independent review of maternity services at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust covering 1,592 cases between 2000 and 2019. Found repeated failures in care contributing to avoidable deaths and serious harm.

Independent review examining how to ensure a coherent approach to digital transformation across NHS national bodies. Argued for a culture shift and a unified operating model, and recommended consolidating NHS digital functions into NHS England.

Independent review of the food system commissioned by DEFRA. Published in two parts (2020 and 2021), making 14 recommendations covering sugar tax, free school meals, land use, trade and food innovation.

The second part of Dame Carol Black's independent review of drugs in England, focusing on prevention, treatment and recovery. Made 32 recommendations across government to improve drug treatment effectiveness, support for families, and the recovery system.

Independent review of food standards in NHS hospitals. Made 8 recommendations for improving both patient and staff food including mandatory minimum standards.

Independent review examining how the health system in England responded to patient safety concerns about three treatments: pelvic mesh implants, sodium valproate, and the hormone pregnancy test Primodos. Found systemic failings and recommended creation of a Patient Safety Commissioner role.

Independent inquiry examining how the health system failed to identify and stop unnecessary and mutilating surgery by breast surgeon Ian Paterson across NHS and independent sector hospitals, making 15 recommendations to strengthen clinical governance, patient safety and regulatory oversight.

Independent review examining how the Fit and Proper Persons test operates for NHS directors. Found the test was applied inconsistently and made 7 recommendations to strengthen accountability for senior NHS leaders.

Independent review of the Mental Health Act 1983 examining the rising rates of detention and the disproportionate number of people from BAME communities detained under the Act.

Independent review examining the use of gross negligence manslaughter and culpable homicide prosecutions in healthcare, making recommendations on thresholds, guidance for prosecutors and support for medical professionals.

Independent review examining the NHS estate in England, identifying underutilised assets and proposing how better use of NHS property could generate capital to reinvest in patient care and support the Five Year Forward View.

Independent review of health information technology adoption in the NHS in England. Made 10 recommendations for a phased approach to NHS digitisation focused on acute hospitals.

Third Caldicott review examining NHS data security standards and patient consent mechanisms following concerns about care.data. Made 20 recommendations including the National Data Opt-Out.

Independent review commissioned by the UK Prime Minister and the Wellcome Trust examining the global economic case for action on antimicrobial resistance, estimating 10 million annual deaths and $100 trillion in economic damage by 2050 without action and making 10 recommendations for international investment and stewardship.

Independent review of operational productivity and efficiency in NHS acute hospitals, examining unwarranted variations in performance and recommending a model hospital programme and shared services reforms.

Independent taskforce report setting out a five-year forward view for transforming mental health services in England. Made 58 recommendations accepted by NHS England and the Government, including a commitment to invest an additional £1bn per year by 2020-21.

Independent review commissioned by Health Education England and the NMC examining the future education and training of registered nurses and care assistants in England. Made 34 recommendations across eight themes.

Independent investigation into the management, delivery and outcomes of maternity and neonatal services at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust between 2004 and 2013. Found serious failures at ward, trust, regulatory and national levels resulting in avoidable deaths of mothers and babies.

Independent review of whistleblowing in the NHS, examining why staff who raised patient safety concerns faced bullying and discrimination. Set out 20 principles and actions to create a more open reporting culture.