Improving patient care

The National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) is part of the NHS. We were established in 2001 with a mandate to identify patient safety issues and find appropriate solutions.

We lead and contribute to improved, safe patient care by informing, supporting and influencing organisations and people working in the health sector.

As a result of the review of the Department of Health’s Arm’s Length Bodies undertaken in 2004, we were reformed with responsibility for three separate divisions, each with distinct functions:

• Patient Safety 

  
  Aims to reduce risks to patients receiving NHS care and improve safety.

• National Clinical Assessment Service (NCAS)

  
  Supports the resolution of concerns about the performance of individual clinical practitioners to help ensure their practice is safe and valued.