Letter from Keith Conradi, Chief Investigator at HSIB to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (18 July 2022)

Summary

On his last day in office as Chief Investigator at the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch (HSIB), Keith Conradi sent this letter to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, outlining his concerns about the approach of the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and NHS England to patient safety work carried out by HSIB.

In his letter, Keith highlights a lack of interest in HSIB investigations and activity from leaders in both NHS England and DHSC, and describes how this attitude permeates both organisations. He also draws attention to a lack of priority and support for patient safety at a structural level, and calls on government and healthcare leaders to take a new approach and introduce a regulated safety management system with appropriate accountability.

Patient Safety Learning has written a blog reflecting on Keith Conradi's letter, highlighting the ways in which his concerns align with those consistently raised by Patient Safety Learning.

Attachments