Concerns about governance and local accountability in the NHS have been in the media spotlight since the Francis inquiry (2010-11) into the poor quality of care provided by the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust. Whilst it is unfair to associate any of the existing council of governors with the failings at Mid Staffordshire, this reports draws attention to issues such as the election and independence of governors.
The findings in this report suggest that councils of governors provide an important link between the hospital and local community and have a key role in guiding trust boards and holding them to account. However, standards vary enormously and some trusts could learn more from each other.