ABSTRACT
A framework through which National Health Service organisations are accountable for continuously improving the quality of their service and safeguarding high standards of care, by creating an environment in which excellence in clinical care will flourish. In primary care, either the primary care group (PCG), or the primary care trust (PCT) are the organisations responsible for clinical governance. PCGs/PCTs have been required to establish leadership in clinical governance by establishing either a clinical governance lead practitioner or a subcommittee. The principles of clinical governance are clearly relevant to practices and will be embraced by many as being a positive tool for practice development. The central features of clinical governance are accountability, quality control and improving standards. A multiprofessional approach and acknowledgement of the importance of organisational structures in the delivery of high-quality care are essential for effective clinical governance.
