Annex A > Chapter 18 - Medical and Clinical Audit > Audit at district and unit level > The District Audit Committee

The District Audit Committee

208 On 6 March 1989 in response to the audit plans set out in `Working for Patients', [246] the PAC asked the MIWG to consider establishing a Medical Audit Advisory Committee. The MIWG considered itself well placed to take the matter forward, and did so in the first instance. [247] The MIWG reported back on 24 April 1989 that its membership and terms of reference were an ideal starting point for an audit committee. [248]

209 Thus the MIWG evolved into the District Audit Committee (DAC). Its function was to oversee the development of a medical audit programme. [249]

210 Dr Thomas stated that:

`The Medical Audit Committee was formed as a sub-committee of, and reported to, the Hospital Medical Committee (HMC). Its constitution was discussed by HMC in the autumn of 1990 and the committee met for the first time on 5 December 1990. [250] ... The constitution was based on statements contained in the Working Paper 6 (Medical Audit) of the Government White Paper `Working for Patients' ... The main objective of the committee was to establish a formal audit function within the UBHT. [251] It was formed at a time of great change when the United Bristol Hospitals were preparing their submission for trust status.' [252]

211 The terms of reference in the constitution of the DAC were:

`1. To promote Audit, mindful of national, Royal College and regional initiatives and guidelines.

`2. Facilitate the creation and working of audit groups within individual directorates or other groupings.

`3. Review the reports of the individual audit groups to ensure that effective Audit is being undertaken, within the limitations of suitable confidentiality of individual data.

`4. To notify the Steering Committee of the Hospital Medical Committee of any desirable or proposed changes in utilisation or practice.

`5. To advise local managers as to the adequacy or appropriateness of resources made available for the process of medical audit.

`6. To report annually to the Regional Audit Committee, within the limitations of suitable confidentiality of individual data.

`7. To draw the attention of medical staff to new audit initiatives and facilities that may from time to time occur.' [253]

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Footnotes

[246] HAA 0165 0145; `Working for Patients', Department of Health, HMSO

[247] HAA 0141 0085; report of the PAC 6 March 1989

[248] HAA 0141 0078; report of the PAC 24 April 1989

[249] UBHT 0068 0001; `The Regional Approach to Medical Audit', June 1989

[250] The constitution of the District Audit Committee: WIT 0323 0009 Dr Thomas

[251] The Trust was due to be formed with effect from 1 April 1991

[252] WIT 0323 0004 Dr Thomas

[253] WIT 0323 0009 - 0010 Dr Thomas