The Francis Report--Why it Matters to the Dental Team

The Francis Report into the deaths at Mid-Staffordshire NHS Trust highlighted the problems facing the NHS when patients, families, clinicians and nurses are not heard, and where the management, leadership and ensuing culture are focused on the system's business, not patient care. This paper, the first in a series based on the implications of the Francis Report, provides the background and context for the subsequent 'perspective' articles from a range of relevant stakeholders and care-providers. The overriding message is that in all areas of healthcare, dentistry included, the quality of patient care, especially patient safety, must be placed above all other aims. Clinical Relevance: The overriding importance of patient-centredness and quality of care, above all other aims, is the key message of clinical relevance from the Francis Report.