Trust/Board Action on Peer Reviews

Recommendation 9a-9c: Peer review of UK comprehensive care centres has been an essential part of haemophilia services for many years. The triennial audit was replaced in 2019 with a more formal peer review process on a five year cycle. The existing NHS England specialist services for haemophilia and related bleeding disorders (adults and children) service specification has been updated to ensure a contractual requirement for providers to participate in, and act upon peer review findings. NHS England will also write to Integrated Care Boards and Trust Boards to emphasise the valuable role of peer review and ask for their commitment to review and implement findings. The revised service specification is intended to proceed to public consultation in summer 2025.

In relation to recommendation 9, a to c, of the Infected Blood Inquiry, peer review of United Kingdom comprehensive care centres has been an essential part of haemophilia services for many years. The triennial audit was replaced in 2019 with a more formal peer review process on a five-year cycle. The final peer review report is expected to be published imminently and once published, it will be shared with the NHS England Specialised Commissioning Quality Oversight Group for consideration and action. This will be supported by a letter to integrated care boards and trust boards, emphasising the valuable role of peer review and asking for confirmation of their commitment to review and implement the peer review findings. The Haemophilia Service Specification has been updated by the Blood Disorders Clinical Reference Group and is making its way through final approvals, having undergone public consultation. The new specification includes a contractual requirement for providers to participate in and act upon peer review findings.