DHSC: Investigating healthcare incidents where suspected criminal activity may have contributed to death or serious life-changing harm (17 December 2024)

Summary

This document from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has been produced to help deliver early, co-ordinated and effective action following incidents where there is ‘reasonable suspicion’ that a patient or service user’s death or ‘serious life-changing harm’ occurred as a result of an incident where there is suspected criminal activity in the course of healthcare delivery. This document will:

• assist those responsible for carrying out any safety, regulatory or criminal investigation
• provide clarity for all involved on their responsibilities and liabilities
• help to ensure that such investigations are handled correctly.