We investigate patient safety concerns across England to improve NHS care at a national level.
The report highlighted that there is currently no clear legal power to lawfully prevent vulnerable individuals from leaving the emergency department (ED) while they are waiting for assessment or admission. This legal ambiguity exposes people in mental health crisis to increased risk of harm an…
This investigation focuses on how the health needs of people in prison are assessed and the provision of safe living conditions for people in prison who use a wheelchair or have mobility issues. Our latest investigation highlights serious risks faced by wheelchair users and people with mobilit…
This investigation focuses on the safety of patients in hospital in England who have diabetes requiring treatment with insulin. Insulin is a high-risk medication and is among the most common causes of harm from medication errors in the NHS.
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.
We have launched a new strategy to help meet the demands of a changing patient safety landscape.
‘Building investigation excellence: our strategy for strengthening the capability of healthcare investigations’ will be instrumental in supporting investigators across the NHS in England to carry out high-quality investigations that drive real improvements in patient safety.
We would like to hear from everyone, including patients, families and NHS and healthcare staff.
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