We investigate patient safety concerns across England to improve NHS care at a national level.
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 …
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.
This report is a summary of information we collected during an exploratory
review of maternity and neonatal services in spring 2025 This review involved meetings with 17 stakeholders and a review of 35 safety concerns submitted to HSSIB.
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.
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.
We would like to hear from everyone, including patients, families and NHS and healthcare staff.
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