Medical Assurance

Nuffield Health champions and has implemented the Independent Healthcare Provider Network (IHNP) Medical Practitioners Assurance Framework (MPAF), along with other independent sector organisations to help to standardise medical governance across the sector to further drive the quality and safety of care for patients.

Paterson Inquiry

We welcome the publication of the Paterson Inquiry report. We have actively engaged with our trade IHPN and the Inquiry over the complex issues involved and how the independent sector, NHS and others must work together to resolve them in the interests of patients.

We have implemented the Medical Practitioners Assurance Framework (MPAF) throughout our hospitals and clinics and continue to contribute to discussions on how the sector can drive forward the best experience, safety, and outcomes for the patients in our care.

Working with Medical Consultants

The medical consultants who work in our hospitals are self-employed and are engaged via our Practising Privileges Policy, which provides assurance of their medical practice. All medical consultants are registered with the GMC, hold a GMC licence to practice, and participate in revalidation. You can find more information about the medical consultants who work with us via the Private Healthcare Independent Network (PHIN) website, consultants have individual profiles.

Each hospital has a Medical Advisory Committee (MAC), made up of medical consultants who practice at the hospital. The Committee is intended to support and maintain quality and safety in the patient services provided at the Hospital, the MAC has a key role in advising the Hospital Director on medical and clinical governance matters.

The central medical directorate is supported by the National Medical Advisory Group (NMAG). The NMAG is made up of independent medical subject matter experts that provide direct advice to the Nuffield Health Medical Directorate. The advice helps to guide Nuffield Health's approach including medical policy, best practice guidance and medical services to support the Charities Purpose & Strategic Aims. The NMAG (national & strategic) will complement the Medical Advisory Committees (local & operational), the forums connect through the Medical Directorate who is accountable for the final decisions.

Additional information

Care Quality Commission (CQC) – The CQC make sure health and social care services provide people with safe, effective, compassionate, high-quality care and encourage areas of improvement.

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) – NICE's role is to improve outcomes for people using the NHS and other public health and social care services, by producing evidence-based guidance and developing quality standards.

Choosing Wisely UK – Choosing Wisely UK is part of a global initiative aimed at improving conversations between patients and their doctors and nurses.