We investigate patient safety concerns across England to improve NHS care at a national level.
This investigation explores what drives the need for out of area placements, and the impact on patients and their families when they are placed far from their homes. Part of our Secretary of State directed mental health investigations.
There is evidence of widespread sexism, sexual misconduct and harassment in healthcare. Between May and September 2024, we carried out exploratory work to consider the potential of conducting an investigation into patient safety risks associated with sexual safety.
The aim of this investigation was to examine what impacts on the delivery of safe and therapeutic care to adult patients in acute mental health inpatient settings. Part of our Secretary of State directed mental health investigations.
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.
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.
HSSIB’s 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.
Commercial courses are available to support those 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. It's free of charge and open to all in healthcare, including those outside of the NHS.
We would like to hear from everyone, including patients, families and NHS and healthcare staff.
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