The King’s Fund responds to the government's initial response to the Ockenden Review

The King's Fund Chief Executive, Sarah Woolnough, responded: 

'So many of the horrific care scandals in the NHS have their roots in some people closing their ears and eyes to what is right in front of them. Services in the NHS are under pressure and people are stretched, but listening to a patient or carer is not a ‘nice to have’ – it is a core part of delivering safe and effective care and treating people with the dignity and respect they deserve. If implemented well, extending Martha’s Rule could play a vital role in making maternity services safer for mothers and their children, and turning the NHS into more of the listening and learning organisation we want it to be.'