At the risk of sounding like a sad version of a cracked Des O'Connor LP, I have to agree with Geoff that a Risk based system represents in my view the best way forward in the current climate of healthcare provision.
But don't take my word for it. THis has been presented at several forums in the UK. and has been proposed to national benchmarking as best practice by the southern group.

This system has been endorsed by our Risk Committee on behalf of the Trust and has been in use for 3 years now

Further info from
alan/mainstone@poole-tr.swest.nhs.uk
paul.horn@nhs.net