Secretary of State recognises “exceptional” care at St Bartholomew's | Our news

Jeremy Hunt has visited St Bartholomew’s Hospital, and personally thanked staff for their “exceptional” care.

The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care spoke to staff from across Barts Health, outlining his ambition to ensure the NHS is the safest healthcare system in the world.

 Mr Hunt told staff: “Three years ago you saved the life of one of my best friends. I’ve never started a presentation with a personal thank you before, but his care was absolutely exceptional.”
 
Mr Hunt spoke to a packed room of staff from across the organisation, including consultants, midwives, nurses and Healthcare Assistants, He focused on the importance of transparency in ensuring the safety of patients, saying: “If we want to be the safest and best healthcare service in the world, we have to be brave enough to be honest and transparent and admit when we are not the safest and best.”
 
He also acknowledged the huge amount of hard work and improvement that has taken place across the Trust.

“Impressive determination has been shown by Barts Health NHS Trust to make care even safer.

“Half the number of never events since 2015 shows the Trust’s huge focus on learning lessons and supporting staff to speak out when they are concerned is working. Thank you."