Leadership and Governance of the Rapid Response System

Previous chapters have detailed the rationale behind the rapid response system (RRS), the various methods of activation and the composition of the rapid response team (RRT). In this chapter, we discuss the role of the governance limb of the RRS. Specifically, we outline the meaning of governance, why a governance limb is needed, what its goals should be, its various components and, finally, the importance of senior hospital medical, nursing, allied health, information technology, quality managers and administrative staff contribution in ensuring successful RRS implementation and maintenance. The need to link audit activities of the RRT to research projects, quality improvement and clinical governance is also emphasised. The structure, members and roles of the governance arm at our hospital are used as an example.