The Department of Health and BSI British Standards have jointly announced a new initiative to encourage widespread adoption of BS 25999 Parts 1 and 2 (the code of practice and specification on business continuity management) across the UK National Health Service. DH sees the BS 25999 standard as an ideal business continuity benchmark for organizations throughout the NHS.

Phil Storr, head of the NHS Resilience Project at the Department of Health, said, “Members of the public expect the NHS to be there for them when they need it, no matter what the circumstances. While the commitment of NHS staff can be relied upon in the time of a crisis, detailed and comprehensive planning is also vital if the most challenging situations are to be dealt with effectively. That is why emergency planning is one of the five national priorities set out in this year’s Operating Framework for the NHS in England. Through its work with BSI, the NHS Resilience Project will help to guide and inform that planning to ensure that the NHS can be there for the patients who need it, whatever happens.”

Mike Low, director of BSI British Standards, said, “We have already seen widespread enthusiasm across industry for the business continuity management tools offered by BSI British Standards and I am pleased that the Department of Health will be encouraging its adoption amongst NHS trusts. This is a very positive step on the road towards achieving consistently high-quality business continuity management throughout the NHS.”

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For further information about the NHS Resilience Project, and resources relating to its work, please visit www.dh.gov.uk/NHSResilience

•Date:8th Dec 2008• Region: UK •Type: Article •Topic: Public sector
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