Affiliation:
1. Centre for Health Technology Evaluation, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, London
Abstract
A commitment to delivering the very best care to patients is central to the work of all clinicians. The introduction of new interventional procedures to clinical practice is essential to improve patient care. Yet, history tells us that when interventional procedures are introduced without due regard to their efficacy and safety there can be significant adverse consequences for the patient (DH 2001). Nearly three decades ago the concept of Clinical Governance was introduced to the NHS to address these concerns. The aim was to allow continuous improvement in the quality of services while safeguarding patient safety and ensuring high standards of care (Scally & Donaldson 1998).