The National Clinical Assessment Service (NCAS) is an organisation that works towards the resolution of concerns about professional practice in healthcare settings across the United Kingdom. By providing their expertise to assist healthcare organisations and individuals resolve concerns, the work of NCAS contributes to improved patient safety.
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It currently has 70 staff, operating as a division of the NHS Litigation Authority (NHS LA).
It can receive up to 1,000 new referrals each year. At any one time NCAS can be dealing with more than 500 active cases, which the service can often manage from referral to resolution.
History
The National Clinical Assessment Authority (NCAA) was established on 1 April 2001 as a Special Health Authority. It initially operated as a service within England for NHS doctors, although this has been extended by various agreements. It was renamed National Clinical Assessment Service when it merged with the National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) in 2005. It transferred out of the NPSA into the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), where it was hosted for a period of one year from 1 April 2012. It joined the NHS LA on 1 April 2013.
Working with regulatory bodies
NCAS work with the regulatory bodies. In December 2011 the General Dental Council announced that it would be using NCAS to obtain advice at an earlier stage when complaints were made about dental professionals. They have an agreement with the General Medical Council which has been in effect since May 2013.