RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 From harm to hope and purposeful action: what could we do after Francis? JF BMJ Quality & Safety JO BMJ Qual Saf FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd SP 619 OP 623 DO 10.1136/bmjqs-2013-002581 VO 23 IS 8 A1 Tricia Woodhead A1 Peter Lachman A1 James Mountford A1 Laura Botwinick A1 Carol Peden A1 Kevin Stewart YR 2014 UL http://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/23/8/619.abstract AB Responses to the reports on the inquiry into Mid Staffordshire have resulted in calls from politicians, NHS leaders and the public to improve care across the NHS in England. However, the substance of what needs to be done remains unclear. In this paper, we offer seven key ‘ingredients’ required to sustain improvement of care, supported by evidence drawn from published literature. We believe that empowering and upskilling the front-line workforce in understanding and implementing improvement techniques, supported by changes at system and policy level and reinforced by what leaders say and do, will result in sustainable benefit for patients and families, as well as greater satisfaction for staff.