Health Services Safety Investigations Body

We investigate patient safety concerns across England to improve NHS care at a national level.

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Latest investigation reports

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Patient safety issues associated with electronic patient record (EPR) systems – a thematic review

This thematic review of 50 HSSIB reports identifies specific patient safety issues and learning related to EPR systems. The report includes a safety observation and local-level learning prompts around safe selection and procurement, implementation and ongoing optimisation of EPR systems.

Read the EPR systems report
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12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) in ambulance services: diagnosis of suspected ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)

The report highlights challenges faced by ambulance crews in interpreting ECGs when a patient has a suspected type of heart attack known as an ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI). The investigation focuses on the equipment and support systems that are used by and assist ambulance crews …

Read the ECG report
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Investigating under the Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF): sharing HSSIB learning for future development

NHS staff have been positive about the impact that the Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF) can have on patient safety. However, more resource and support is needed to ensure PSIRF is implemented consistently across England.

Read the PSIRF report

About us

We aim to be the global leader in professional, high quality healthcare safety investigations. We investigate patient safety concerns across England to improve NHS care at a national level. Our investigations do not find blame or liability with individuals or organisations. Information shared with us is confidential and protected by law.


We are a fully independent arm’s length body of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Find out more about us
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Investigations

We can investigate patient safety concerns that occur in England during the provision of healthcare services, and that have or may have implications for the safety of patients.

Our investigations can consider healthcare provided in the NHS and the independent sector. Where an investigation relates to an incident that did not occur in the NHS, we must consider whether NHS systems and practices could be improved because of our investigation.


We can also be directed to investigate a patient safety concern by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.

View our patient safety investigations
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Education

Our CPD accredited education programme is delivered by healthcare safety investigation experts.


We offer a range of courses to support development and help embed professional safety investigations across the NHS. For NHS staff in England, courses run online and are free of charge to attend. Courses are also available to fee paying learners outside of the NHS in England.


Our flagship course – A systems approach to investigating and learning from patient safety incidents – launches new cohorts throughout the year.

Enrol on a course

News, events and blogs

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Ongoing risk of harm linked to electronic patient record systems

Our latest report emphasises how electronic patient record (EPR) systems still contribute to patient care being missed, delayed or recorded incorrectly. This is despite national recommendations and a…
Read the full article
A young woman with a pained expression lies in an ambulance with her eyes closed while two paramedics treat her.

Report identifies risks in ambulance ECG interpretation and timely STEMI diagnosis

Our latest report highlights the challenges faced by ambulance crews in interpreting ECGs when a patient has a suspected type of heart attack known as an ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI).
Read the full article
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Our response to the Care Quality Commission’s State of Care 2024/25 report

The State of Care report is the Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) annual assessment of the quality of health and social care in England.
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