Jump to content
  • RCN: Top 10 tips for statement writing


    PatientSafetyLearning Team
    • UK
    • Tips
    • Pre-existing
    • Original author
    • No
    • Royal College of Nursing
    • Health and care staff

    Summary

    As a healthcare worker, you could be asked to write a statement for an investigation at work, in response to a complaint, or about an unexpected incident. These are the main points to consider, developed by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN).

    Content

    Don’t rush. You should never have to write and submit a statement immediately. It’s fine for an employer to set a deadline, but you should still have reasonable time to prepare your statement and get it checked by the RCN. 

    Know what you’re writing about. You should be given a clear instruction or question in writing. If you haven’t been given this, ask for it.

    Consider if you’re at risk. If your conduct or practice is being questioned by your employer or agency, then – provided you were a member at the time of the incident – use the RCN’s statement checking service accessed via RCN Direct on 0345 772 6100. If you’re being asked to provide a statement purely as a witness, and you don’t believe there is any risk to you, simply follow the RCN guidance (link below).

    Be clear. Your statement should explain events from start to finish as clearly and simply as possible. Explain when things happened, who was there, and what you did, saw and heard. Try to avoid offering an opinion not based on facts.

    Be relevant. Do your best to answer the question or allegation you have been set. If you can’t remember something, say so. Very few people can perfectly recall every event that’s ever happened to them.

    Be compliant. If you’re a registered nurse, follow the National Midwifery Council's Code of Conduct, particularly the ‘Promote professionalism and trust’ section. Ensure you follow your employer’s local policies and confidentiality guidelines too.

    List all documents referenced in your statement. If possible, state where to find them.

    Format your statement. Add page and paragraph numbers, double space your lines and ensure pages have clear wide margins at each side.

    Check it. Review each paragraph carefully, checking that your statement only communicates exactly what was asked for or required. Look at whether you can provide evidence for the facts stated. Check the facts you provide are clearly and objectively explained.

    Keep a copy. You may need to refer to it in the future. 

    The RCN’s statement writing guidance covers these tips in more detail, has a statement writing template you can use, and provides guidance on what to do if you are asked for a statement in other contexts such as if a coroner or the police ask you for a statement.

    Follow the link below for more information.

    RCN: Top 10 tips for statement writing https://www.rcn.org.uk/get-help/statements-investigation-and-discipline
    0 reactions so far

    0 Comments

    Recommended Comments

    There are no comments to display.

    Create an account or sign in to comment

    You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

    Create an account

    Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

    Register a new account

    Sign in

    Already have an account? Sign in here.

    Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...