Dr David Foster

Deputy Chief Nursing Officer

Department of Health

Research Nurse Professional

Development Forum

The Health Bill

• Putting patients and the public first

• Improving health outcomes

• Autonomy and accountability

• Cutting bureaucracy and improving efficiency

New architectureNational leadership

• NHS Commissioning Board

• Department of Health

• Public Health England

• Health Research Authority

Local leadership

• Health Education England– Local Education and Training Boards

• Clinical Commissioning Groups

“The Government is committed to a future in which research continues as a core function of the NHS.”

Earl Howe30 July 2010

Research and the NHS: Government Commitment

Core role of research in the NHS:

"The Government is committed to the promotion and conduct of research as a core NHS role". (para 3.16)

Research and the NHS: NHS White Paper

Role of research in improving healthcare outcomes:

"Research is vital in providing the new knowledge needed to improve health outcomes and reduce inequalities". (para 3.16)

Research and the NHS: NHS White Paper

Role of researchers in improving healthcare outcomes:

"The Government believes that outcomes will improve most rapidly when clinicians are engaged, and creativity, research participation and professionalism are allowed to flourish". (para 3.4)

Research and the NHS: NHS White Paper

Role of the NHS Commissioning Board in promoting research:

"The Board...will promote involvement in research and the use of research evidence". (para 4.11)

The importance of research for Commissioners and Providers:

"Commissioners and providers will focus on implementing best practice to achieve improvements in outcomes, supported by...continued research. (page 45 box)

Research and the NHS: NHS White Paper

Duties

A duty to promote research* on matters relevant to the health service on:• Secretary of State for Health• NHS Commissioning Board• Clinical Commissioning Groups• Monitor

A duty to promote the use of research evidence by the health service on:• Secretary of State for Health• NHS Commissioning Board• Clinical Commissioning Groups

Powers

A power to support the conduct of research, including financial support for:• Secretary of State for Health• NHS Commissioning Board• Clinical Commissioning Groups• Monitor• Local Authorities (in relation to the health service)

* “must, in the exercise of his/its functions, have regard to the need to”

Research and the NHS: Health and Social Care Bill 2011

• The Establishment and Constitution Order and the Regulations for the Health Research Authority were laid on 27 September 2011 to come into force on 1 December 2011.

• This will establish the HRA as a Special Health Authority.

• The Government intends to introduce primary legislation in a later Bill to consolidate functions and develop the role of the Health Research Authority.

Research and the NHS: Health Research Authority