The magic matrix of clinical governance

The implementation of effective frameworks which support the clinical governance agenda is proving to be a significant challenge for management teams across the NHS. Since there is no recognised ideal model or gold standard for such frameworks, it is not surprising that many organisations remain in a state of “trial and error” with their clinical governance arrangements. This article provides an insight into the ongoing developments of the clinical governance “infrastructure” at Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust. A model of delivery for clinical governance within a large acute teaching hospital is proposed and it is hoped that it may prove useful to colleagues across the country, who may well be facing difficulties in their structural arrangements to deliver the clinical governance agenda.