Signpost to nowhere? The case for funded independent advocacy, advice and information for patients & families following patient safety incidents (HPA, 28 November 2022)

Summary

This report by the Harmed Patients Alliance (HPA) explores the needs of injured patients and their loved ones for independent advocacy, advice and information when they have been involved in patient safety incidents that are believed to have led to harm. It examines the extent to which this is available or resourced, and aims to stimulate and inform a national discussion about this issue in England among key stakeholders. It looks at the historical context and the moral and economic arguments and implications of resourcing these kinds of services.

Content

The report covers:

• What independent information, advice or advocacy needs do people have when they have been harmed of affected by a patient safety incident?
• What services of this kind are currently made available by the NHS specifically for patients and families affected by patient safety incidents?
• What help is available?
• What do the Government, NHS bodies and regulators say about independent information, advice or advocacy for harmed patients and their families?
• What are the moral, patient safety and financial arguments for funding independent advocacy, advice and information?
• A potential way forward