THE Robert Francis Report published this week has profound implications for everyone in the health service.

No one could read it and not be affected by the stories of what happened to the patients involved.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust board has welcomed the Francis Report and its 290 recommendations, which we will be considering in detail.

We will involve our patients and staff in implementing the recommendations across our three hospitals.

The trust board particularly welcomes the duty of candour and believes the recommendations of the report will build on the work the trust is already undertaking.

I am determined to continue nurturing a culture of care and compassion where the needs of patients are always put first and at the heart of everything we do.

We have a comprehensive policy of promoting dignity and privacy and nurses undertake care and comfort rounds on all wards to ensure patients’ needs are being met.

We actively listen to what our patients, their relatives and loved ones are telling us.

We took part in the pilot Friends and Family test, which has now been rolled out nationally.

The survey asks patients and their families about the care they have received.

The results are important because they are the patients’ perceptions of the extent to which our drive to improve care has been successful.

Some patients will be worried by the Francis Report and I would like to reassure them that here in Worcestershire we are continuing to strive to deliver the very best care for all our patients.

There are many lessons to be learned from the Francis Report and we will learn from them.