NHS Resolution: Case story. Learning lessons in maternity from a recent Supreme Court ruling (Feb 2019)

Summary

This case story is based on real events and NHS Resolution is sharing the experience of those involved to help prevent a similar occurrence happening to patients, families and staff. Although the case occurred in the emergency department there is learning for other departments. As you read about this incident, please ask yourself:

• Could this happen in my organisation?
• Who could I share this with?
• What can we learn from this?

Content

Learning lessons in maternity from Darnley v. Croydon Health Services NHS Trust.

Key learning points:

• As soon as a patient attends hospital to seek medical attention there is a duty of care owed to them.
• Patients attending maternity should be provided with reasonably accurate information regarding waiting times for assessment.
• Maternity receptionists should have the appropriate training and local induction to ensure that accurate information is provided.
• Clinical and non-clinical staff should be aware of the standard for triage waiting times, ensure that accurate information is communicated and also be aware that the information they provide may influence the way patients access clinical care.