The Francis Enquiry Report has revealed the depth of “catastrophic” management failings at the Mid Staffordshire NHS Trust.

Petra Wilson, director of strategy and external affairs at The Chartered Management Institute, said the blame culture would have resulted from the separation between senior management teams and argues that swift action needs to be taken: “It has highlighted that bad management, when it come to the NHS, really can cost lives.  Urgent action is needed to ensure those working in management positions across the healthcare service have the skills and training to bring about the necessary improvements in patient care.”

Ms Wilton goes on to say that training is key to improved management and staff moral: “There is a huge need to encourage staff to be more open and there has to be a sense of accountability at all levels to stop such inexcusable mistakes being made again … it is also essential that managers have the training and support needed to meet the standards expected.”