Clinical Governance is a framework through which organisations are accountable for continuously improving the quality of its services and safeguarding high standards. This framework was introduced by the Department of Health in 1998 for NHS organisations.

The Clinical Governance Committee was formed in 1999 as a sub committee of the Medical Committee and advises and makes recommendations to the Chairman and members of the Medical Committee, the Chief Executive and Matron on all matters related to the high quality and standards of care within the Hospital. This includes both surveillance not only of in-house standards but also of external influences on quality laid down by organisations such as The Healthcare Commission and The Care Quality Commission.

Membership of the Committee reflects the varying components of clinical governance. These include assessment of clinical outomes and risks, complaints management, audit, training and patient interests. The membership comprises consultants from medicine and surgery, the Medical Director, the Chairman of the Medical Audit Committee, the Chief Executive, Matron and senior nursing staff, an external medical advisor and a patient representative.

Overall the aims of the Committee are to act, oversee and advise on all clinical governance matters within the Hospital and to maintian the Hospital at the very forefront of high quality care and treatment in medical and surgical practice in the United Kingdom.