Memorandum of understanding: Investigating patient safety incidents involving unexpected death or serious untoward harm (1 February 2006)

Summary

A protocol for liaison and effective communications between the NHS, Association of Chief Police Officers (replaced in 2015 by a new body, the National Police Chiefs' Council) and Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Although now archived in The National Archives, much of the protocol is still relevant today.

The protocol took effect in circumstances of unexpected death or serious untoward harm requiring investigation by the police, or the police and the HSE jointly. The protocol sets out the general principles for the NHS, police and HSE to observe when liaising with one another. It focused on investigations in NHS Trusts, although the principles and practices it promotes should apply to other locations where healthcare is provided and the NHS is required to investigate under its performance management and other duties.