The MHRA is the agency of the Department of Health that is responsible for leading and driving forward change in the NHS and social care, as well as improving standards of public health in the United Kingdom. The MHRA also works closely with other health bodies including:
National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA)
NPSA leads and contributes to improved, safe patient care by informing, supporting and influencing organisations and people working in the health sector.
It is an arm’s length body of the Department of Health and through it's three divisions covers the UK health service.
- National Reporting and Learning Service
Aims to reduce risks to patients receiving NHS care and improve safety. - National Clinical Assessment Service
Supports the resolution of concerns about the performance of individual clinical practitioners to help ensure their practice is safe and valued. - National Research Ethics Service
Protects the rights, safety, dignity and well-being of research participants that are part of clinical trials and other research within the NHS.
Care Quality Commission (CQC)
The CQC is the independent regulator of health and social care in England. It's aim is to make sure better care is provided for everyone, whether that’s in hospital, in care homes, in people’s own homes, or elsewhere.
It regulates health and adult social care services, whether provided by the NHS, local authorities, private companies or voluntary organisations, and it protects the rights of people detained under the Mental Health Act.
NHS Evidence
NHS Evidence provides free access to clinical and non-clinical information - local, regional, national and international. Information includes evidence, guidance and government policy.
NHS Evidence accreditation recognises organisations who achieve high standards in producing health or social care guidance. Successful organisations are identified on search results by a seal of approval called an Accreditation Mark.
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE)
NICE is the independent organisation responsible for providing national guidance on the promotion of good health and the prevention and treatment of ill health.
NICE produces guidance in three areas of health:
- public health - guidance on the promotion of good health and the prevention of ill health for those working in the NHS, local authorities and the wider public and voluntary sector
- health technologies - guidance on the use of new and existing medicines, treatments and procedures within the NHS
- clinical practice - guidance on the appropriate treatment and care of people with specific.
Health Protection Agency (HPA)
The Health Protection Agency's role is to provide an integrated approach to protecting UK public health through the provision of support and advice to the NHS, local authorities, emergency services, other Arms Length Bodies, the Department of Health and the Devolved Administrations.
The Agency was established as a special health authority (SpHA) in 2003. In 2005, the Agency was established as a non-departmental public body, replacing the HPA SpHA and the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) and with radiation protection as part of health protection incorporated in its remit. In 2009 The National Institute of Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC) merged in to the HPA. NIBSC is a world leader in the standardisation and control of biological medicines such as vaccines and products made from blood and tissues.
Other health bodies working with the MHRA
Clinical Governance Support Team (CGST)
Safeguarding high standards of care
European Medicines Agency (EMA)
The protection and promotion of public and animal health, through the evaluation and supervision of medicines for human and veterinary use.
General Medical Council
Protecting patients, guiding doctors.
Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
Reducing risks, protecting people. Responsible for the regulation of almost all the risks to health and safety arising from work activity in Britain.
Institute of Quality Assurance – health and social care
Bringing together organisations and individuals who have an interest in continuously improving the quality of health and social care.
National Prescribing Centre (NPC)
Facilitates the promotion of high quality, cost-effective prescribing and medicines management; formed April 1996. Provides information on medicines and their use.
National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse (NTA)
Aims to increase the availability, capacity and effectiveness of treatment for (illegal) drug misuse in England.
Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman
The Health Service Ombudsman looks into complaints made by or on behalf of people who have suffered because of unsatisfactory treatment or service by the NHS.
The Patients Association
Listening to patients, speaking up for change.
Patient Concern
Promoting choice, empowering patients.
