The Department of Health defines clinical governance as:
‘The framework through which organisations are accountable for continuously improving the quality of their services and safeguarding high standards of care by creating an environment in which excellence in healthcare will flourish.’ (Department of Health, UK).
DMC have invested in a Governance team, with an experienced Head of Clinical & Information Governance, with strong administrative support. We use DATIX as our system for issues related to governance (Incidents, complaints, feedback and risk management).
Governance is a key function and capability at DMC Healthcare
As a healthcare provider, we provide a range of clinical services. Unintended error and harm occurs in all clinical services. At DMC Healthcare, we understand the importance of learning from error and harm, being responsive to changing processes and systems to prevent recurrence. We have invested in the necessary governance, compliance and risk systems to support staff, and ensure Head Office oversight. We have invested in leadership and support in the governance functions to ensure DMC is responsive to the needs of patients, staff and regulators. The Governance team trains our staff, supports incident management, extracting learning.
Along with the Governance team, the Chief Technology Officer, we have additional focus on all matters GDPR. We have a CCGR committee. Board receives all significant issues of information and clinical governance.
Good Information Governance is fundamental to the services we provide. Everything we do is focused on patients. We are a paper light healthcare provider, with increasing use of robotic process applications, machine learning, apps, and artificial intelligence. The information we generate, manage and move is done so safely. We take seriously our duty to protect and use all information in accordance with the regulations.
We have a SIRO on the DMC Healthcare Board and a DPO supporting the organisation and Head of Governance.