"Ward rounds provide an invaluable space for doctors, nurses, and managers to come together to discuss and plan the joined up care that patients rightly expect.

"They provide patients with the chance to give feedback on the standards of their care. And they allow staff the opportunity to reflect on the care they provide and how they could improve it.

"Many of the recommendations in this report complement those we put forward in our Dignity Commission joint report. If we are to improve standards of care then it is essential we empower ward staff to plan care, take responsibility for staffing levels and design systems that are in the best interests of patients.

"The NHS is having to support a significant number of older patients and people with dementia which means more intensive and specialist care is needed throughout many hospitals. Staff communication and daily ward rounds are key to making sure the right systems are in place to provide the best care for these patients.

"Making ward rounds effective in all hospitals will require a change of culture on some wards, and a change in working relationships. The challenge now is to get all hospital wards up to the best standards."