Georgia Healthcare Group PLC Annual Report 2018 Governance Clinical Quality and Safety Committee Report continued Clinical Quality and Safety Committee activities in 2018 continued Much of our focus this year has been dedicated toward driving continued improvement in data quality and consistency, which in turn provides the Committee with a fuller picture on performance across all of our facilities and with insight into some of the drivers behind clinical quality and safety. One of the Group’s key clinical risk priorities has been on infection control and prevention, and we were delighted in 2018 to see both the robustness of analysis and data in this area, and the impact that educational initiatives are having across our facilities in driving improvements in controlling and preventing infections. We have also dedicated significant time as a Committee toward considering medicine management processes across our facilities, sepsis risk and hygiene monitoring. In all of our discussions, we reflect upon current international healthcare developments and consider ways in which we can use best practice internationally to drive improvements across the Group. We have also taken time to consider some of the challenges in retaining the excellent talent amongst our clinical staff. The Committee reviewed the current EVEX doctor retention programme and, while noting that the total remuneration package available to doctors will always be important in determining retention levels, we are very pleased to see that the programme also focuses on ensuring that clinicians have opportunities to support their scientific activities and other areas that are important to them in their professional development. We see clinicians’ involvement in developing services and innovation as being fundamental to the Group’s long-term success. Our Head of Clinical Process Unit of the Internal Audit Team updates us at every meeting on audits undertaken over the year, and our employees have been excellent in their supportiveness and openness in respect of internal audits and our subsequent Committee enquiries. This year’s internal audits have included a review of thromboembolism, arterial hypertension and polypharmacy management processes, an assessment of antenatal care and monitoring in EVEX clinics based on national protocol and state program requirements, and an audit of medical documentation maintenance processes across a number of EVEX clinics. The Group opened a number of new hospitals in Georgia in 2018, which are vital to the continued delivery of services to our patients. The Committee will continue to monitor the clinical standards in these new units. Additionally, the Committee is kept informed on the Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Affairs regulatory visits, inspections and reports on the facilities of the Group. The Clinical Risk department reports to the Committee on these matters, on the Group’s discussions with the Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Affairs, and on audits arising from regulatory matters. Committee effectiveness review As detailed in the Corporate Governance Statement, the review of the Committee’s effectiveness was performed by an external evaluator. Overall, the findings of the most recent effectiveness review were positive. We are confident that some of the key findings from the previous review, particularly in terms of ensuring better management of key clinical risk areas, are being addressed through the introduction of a revised risk management structure within the Company and a clearer and better understood delineation in responsibilities between clinical and non-clinical audit teams. Taking into account the findings of the review, the Committee also refreshed its membership over the year, with Fabian Blank joining the Committee. We believe that Fabian’s experience and expertise, particularly around digital innovation in healthcare, will be important in allowing the Committee to support the Group’s strategy in future, and will complement the existing skills and experience amongst members of the Committee. Looking ahead to 2019 The Clinical Quality and Safety Committee considered its priorities for 2019 and its focus for the coming year is to: • review a number of clinical process audits, including the management of Type II diabetes in primary healthcare settings, and antibiotic management; and • focus on clinical risk management processes, ensuring joint working where appropriate with the Audit Committee on the wider risk management structure across the Group. 84