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Showing results for tags 'Patient / family support'.
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Content Article"With every patient safety inquiry the lessons are the same. We owe the families affected by these repeated failures meaningful organisational change." Says Juliet Dobson, in this Editorial for the BMJ.
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Content ArticleTrevor Stevens daughter, Tobi, took her own life in December 2020 whilst in the care of the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust. Trevor recently attended the HSJ Patient Safety Congress. In this blog, he reflects on his experience at the Congress. Related reading on the hub: Time for a reset on safety? Highlights from day one of the HSJ Patient Safety Congress
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Content Article
This blog captures a recent discussion at a Patient Safety Management Network (PSMN) meeting, where members of the network raised a number of important questions and issues relating to the Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF). PSIRF is currently being rolled out across all NHS trusts in England and takes a new approach to investigating patient safety incidents.- Posted
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Paula Goss had surgery to implant rectopexy and vaginal meshes which left her with severe pain and other serious complications. In this blog, Paula talks about why she set up Rectopexy Mesh Victims and Support to campaign for adequate treatment, redress and justice for people injured by surgical mesh. She outlines the need for greater awareness of mesh injuries amongst both healthcare professionals and the public and talks about what still needs to be done to enable people to access the treatment and support they need. -
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World Hospice and Palliative Care Day takes place on 14 October 2023. Patient safety in hospice and palliative care involves ensuring that every patient is able to access the services, support and pain relief that they need when they reach the end of life. It is also vital that families and carers are given relevant and timely support and information by healthcare services during their loved one’s hospice or palliative care, and following their death. -
Content ArticleMuch has been written recently about Martha’s rule—the proposal to allow patients in hospitals in England and their families the right to demand an urgent second opinion if their condition is deteriorating. In this BMJ opinion piece, Helen Haskell outlines some principles for creating an effective family activated system, including breadth, urgency, continuity, independence and feedback.
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The Worldwide Hospice and Palliative Care Alliance
Patient-Safety-Learning posted an article in End of life care
The Worldwide Hospice and Palliative Care Alliance (WHPCA) is an international non-governmental organisation focusing exclusively on hospice and palliative care development worldwide. With over 100 members worldwide, it's mission is to bring together the global palliative care community to improve well-being and reduce unnecessary suffering for those in need of palliative care in collaboration with the regional and national hospice and palliative care organisations and other partners. The WHPCA website hosts a wide variety of resources relating to hospice and palliative care including: Advocacy resources Building Integrated Palliative Care Programs and Services Country reports and needs assessments Covid-19 Resources Disease specific plans and guidance Fundraising resources Global Atlas of Palliative Care at the End of Life Laws, regulations and national strategies Media resources National association strategic plans Palliative Care Toolkits and Training Manual Standards, clinical guidelines and protocols UN guidelines, documents and strategies on palliative care Universal Health Coverage Resources WHPCA position statements WHPCA publications and reports -
Content ArticleThe Restraint Reduction Network's mission is to eliminate the unnecessary use of restrictive practices in health, social care and education. They have a range of resources that people with lived experience, parents and carers may find helpful. As all forms of restrictive practice can result in harm, it is important that people are able to identify restrictive practices and challenge their inappropriate use. The resources are designed to support people to understand what restrictive practices are, when and why they might be used, people’s rights, and how to identify and challenge unacceptable and unethical practices.
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Content ArticleThis joint manifesto has been produced by the charities Sue Ryder, Marie Curie, Together for Short Lives, National Bereavement Alliance and Hospice UK. Ahead of the next General Election, they are calling upon all political parties and candidates to commit to policies that ensure everyone affected by dying, death and bereavement receives the best possible care and support, both now and in the future. The manifesto calls for the new Government to: Deliver a new funding solution for hospices and palliative and end of life care to end the postcode lottery in access Introduce a national delivery plan for palliative and end of life are in every nation to support delivery of local services Guarantee that palliative and end of life care services meet each individual’s needs, including those of people dying at home Act to ensure that nobody dies in poverty and tackle inequalities in palliative and end of life care Improve support for families and carers of people with a terminal illness
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EventuntilLast year, our helpline advisers dealt with an average of two calls a day relating to complaints – could the caller complain about what had happened? How to complain? Who to complain to? This event is for patients and carers who would like answers to some basic questions about complaining about care. Solicitors Chris James and Josh Hughes from law firm Bolt Burdon Kemp will be joining our Chief Executive Rachel Power in this online event. Between them they’ll: Help people understand the NHS complaints process, including its limitations Describe how to get the most out of making a complaint Explain were the distinction can lie between poor service and a claim in negligence. Register
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Content ArticleAllergic reactions vary in severity. People with food allergy tend to have reactions which affect the skin or gut, but around one third of reactions involve the breathing: these more serious allergic reactions are known as anaphylaxis. Very rarely, anaphylaxis can be severe and therefore life-threatening. This leaflet created by Allergy UK and Anaphylaxis UK explains how you can reduce the risk of this happening. Anaphylaxis is unpredictable and can occur in people who have never had this type of reaction before, but most people will recover fully.
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Content ArticleDespite years of calls for adoption of a Just Culture, it is evident that taking this concept from paper to practice has been slower than expected. Many have cited the subpar application of the Just Culture framework and, recently, questions have been raised regarding how the Just Culture framework is perceived by those impacted by harm, including patients, family members, and staff. Though this framework is one tool that can be used to guide inquiry after harm events, its use, independent of active efforts toward restoration of relationships with patients, families, and staff, could compromise engagement and therefore learning. A lack of focus on restoring the trust of those affected by harm in parallel with the event investigation introduces a risk of further compounding the harm for all involved. Those involved in safety work at NHS England have recognized the need to apply a systems mindset within a concerted effort toward more compassionate engagement for optimal learning and improvement. In response, they have included compassionate engagement and involvement of those affected by patient safety incidents as a foundational pillar in the NHS England Patient Safety Incident Response Framework.
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News Article
Scotland: MSPs to vote on patient safety commissioner plan
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
MSPs are set to vote on a new law to establish a patient safety commissioner. The bill to create an "independent public advocate" for patients will go through its final stage on Wednesday. Public Health Minister Jenny Minto has said the commissioner would be able to challenge the healthcare system and ensure patient voices were heard. The Scottish government has been told the new watchdog must have the power to prevent future scandals. In 2020, former UK Health Minister Baroness Julia Cumberlege published a review into the safety of medicines and medical devices like Primodos, transvaginal mesh and the epilepsy drug sodium valproate. She told the House of Lords: "Warnings ignored. Patients' concerns ignored. A system that seemed unwilling or unable to listen let alone respond, unwilling or unable to stop the harm." Her findings led to the recommendation for a patient safety commissioner. Speaking ahead of the vote on the Patient Safety Commissioner for Scotland Bill, Ms Minto said the watchdog would listen to patients' views. "I think it's a really important role for us to have in Scotland," she said. "There's been a number of inquiries or situations where the patient's voice really needs to be listened to and that's what a patient safety commissioner will do." Read full story Source: BBC News, 27 September 2023 -
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The 15th annual HSJ Patient Safety Congress brings together more than 1000 attendees with the shared goal of advancing the national agenda for patient safety across health and social care. In this blog, Samantha Warne, the hub's Lead Editor, captures some of the key highlights and messages from day one of HSJ’s Patient Safety Congress. -
Content Article‘Compassionate communication, meaningful engagement’ is a handbook for all NHS staff which aims to improve collaboration with patients, their families and carers following a patient safety event. Developed with NHS Trusts across England in partnership with Making Families Count, the guide includes principles of compassionate engagement, roles and responsibilities of healthcare professionals, and information about the processes following an incident. It also brings together a range of signposting information and resources for families and staff.
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Harry's Story website
Patient-Safety-Learning posted an article in Inquests
Harry's Story is a website set up by Derek Richford, the grandfather of Harry Richford, who died in November 2017 at just a week old following failures in care during and after his birth. The site outlines how Harry's family worked tirelessly to uncover what happened to Harry and the poor standard of care at the maternity unit at East Kent University Hospitals Foundation Trust (EKUHFT). It covers the following aspects of the family's experience: Our Investigation The Inquest Cover Up? - You Decide HSIB Involvement What Happened Next The Kirkup Inquiry Accountability Harry's Legacy The site also contains a section offering advice for parents whose babies die or suffer harm in hospital during the perinatal period. -
Content ArticleAs this year’s World Patient Safety Day celebrates the theme ‘Engaging patients for patient safety’, Dr Alan Fletcher, the National Medical Examiner for England and Wales, explains the connection between medical examiners and patient safety, and particularly the support they provide for bereaved people, whose insights and experiences can be crucial in supporting the NHS to learn and improve.
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Derek Richford’s grandson Harry died in November 2017 at just a week old. Since Harry’s death, Derek has worked tirelessly to uncover the truth about what happened at East Kent Hospitals University Foundation Trust (EKHUFT) to cause Harry’s death. His efforts resulted in a three-week Article 2 inquest that found that Harry had died from neglect. In addition, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) successfully prosecuted the Trust for unsafe care and treatment and Derek’s work has contributed to a review into maternity and neonatal care services at EKHUFT. In this interview, we speak to Derek about how EKHUFT and other agencies engaged with his family following Harry’s death. As well as outlining how a culture of denial at the Trust affected his family, he talks about individuals and organisations that acted with respect and transparency. He highlights what still needs to be done to make sure bereaved families are treated with openness and dignity when a loved one dies due to avoidable harm. -
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To mark this year’s World Patient Safety Day (WPSD), the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) will be running a series of blogs and Talking Heads on key surgical and dental topics in this area. These have been provided by patients, families and carers, alongside members of the College’s Patient Safety Group, College Council and the wider College fellowship. The College’s eleven Surgical Specialty Boards (SSBs) have been asked to provide blogs on how patient involvement in their individual specialty has helped to drive up standards of care. The blogs will provide examples of how patients and carers can play vital roles in making decisions about their own individual care and also how they can enhance the safety of the healthcare system as a whole by contributing to strategic decisions at organisational level. Two blogs will be released on each day of the College’s week-long WPSD campaign, starting on Monday 11 September and leading up to WPSD on Sunday 17 September. Members and Fellows will have access to these through the College website following the campaign. -
Content ArticleThis guide developed by Learn Together and Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has been designed to help patients and families understand what to expect from patient safety investigations and how they can be involved in the process. It includes quotes and advice from patients who have been through patient safety investigations and spaces to record experiences, questions and reflections. The guide provides an outline of the investigation process, broken down into five stages: Understanding you and your needs Agreeing how you work together Giving and getting information Checking and finalising the report Next steps
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News Article
NHS Scotland to improve patient safety through 'compassionate communication'
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
A study conducted by NHS Education for Scotland and Health Improvement Scotland found patients felt safer by having someone listen to their experiences after adverse events. The findings were published in the BMJ and have been positively received by NHS boards across the country. Healthcare Improvement Scotland’s Donna Maclean said: “The compassionate communications training has seen an unprecedented uptake across NHS boards in Scotland, with the first two cohorts currently under way and evaluation taking place also.” Clear communication and a person-centred approach was seen as being central to helping those who have suffered from traumatic events. Researchers found many said their faith was restored in the healthcare system if staff showed compassion and active engagement. This approach is likely to enhance learning and lead to improvements in healthcare. Health boards were advised that long timelines can have a negative impact on the mental health of patients and their families. Rosanna from Glasgow, who was affected by an adverse event, said: “I believe this study and its findings are crucial to truly understanding patients and families going through adverse events. “Not only does the study capture exactly what needs to change, but it also highlights the elements that are most important to us: an apology and assurance that lessons will be learnt is all we really want. Read full story Source: The National, 30 May 2022 -
News ArticleDonna Ockenden, the midwife who investigated the Shopshire maternity scandal, has been appointed to lead a review into failings in Nottingham following a dogged campaign by families. The current review will be wound up by 10 June after concerns from NHS England and families that it is not fit for purpose. It was commissioned after revelations from The Independent and Channel Four News that dozens of babies had died or been brain-damaged following care at Nottingham University Hospitals Foundation Trust. In a letter to families on Thursday, NHS England chief operating officer David Sloman said: “I want to begin by apologising for the distress caused by the delay in our announcing a new chair and to take this opportunity to update you on how the work to replace the existing Review has been developing as we have taken on board various views that you have shared with us.” “After careful consideration and in light of the concerns from some families, our own concerns, and those of stakeholders including in the wider NHS that the current Review is not fit for purpose, we have taken the decision to ask the current Review team to conclude all of their work by Friday 10 June.” “We will be asking the new national Review team to begin afresh, drawing a line under the work undertaken to date by the current local Review team, and we are using this opportunity to communicate that to you clearly.” Ms Ockenden said: “Having a baby is one of the most important times for a family and when women and their babies come into contact with NHS maternity services they should receive the very best and safest care." “I am delighted to have been asked by Sir David Sloman to take up the role of Chair of this Review and will be engaging with families shortly as my first priority. I look forward to working with and listening to families and staff, and working with NHS England and NHS Improvement to deliver a Review and recommendations that lead to real change and safer care for women, babies and families in Nottingham as soon as possible.” Read full story Source: BBC News, 26 May 2022
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News Article
Failing NHS negligence system must change, say MPs
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
A major reform of the way NHS clinical negligence claims are handled in England is needed, MPs say. The House of Commons' Health and Social Care Committee said the current system was too adversarial, leading to bitter and long legal fights for patients. More than £2bn a year is paid out on claims, but 25% goes to legal fees. An independent body should be set up to adjudicate on cases and the need to prove individual fault should be scrapped, the cross-party group said. Instead, the focus should be whether the system failed, which the MPs believe would create a better culture for learning from mistakes. The committee heard from families who had lost children or whose babies had been left with brain injuries from mistakes made during birth. Parents described how they had to fight for years to get recognition for the harm that had been caused. One woman criticised the "complacent attitude" of the hospital involved, saying they just wanted to put it down to one mistake and carry on as normal. Another woman whose daughter died aged 20 months after errors in her care said she felt lessons had not been learnt despite a settlement in her favour. She said the whole process had left her feeling devastated. The average length of time for these settlements was over 11 years, the committee was told. Read full story Source: BBC News, 27 April 2022 -
News Article
Thousands have PTSD symptoms after miscarriage
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
Tens of thousands of women in the UK may be experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after miscarriages each year, a leading researcher warns. Prof Tom Bourne estimates the number affected could run to 45,000 annually. But he says most are not given prompt psychological support that could help prevent PTSD developing. The Miscarriage Association says there is an urgent need for better access to talking and other psychological therapies for those affected. At present, most women have to ask for help themselves rather than support being in place. Prof Bourne believes there needs to be more research into other ways of helping people experiencing loss. His team is trying out a variety of new approaches - including virtual reality - to help address the issue. One idea his team is experimenting with is offering women virtual reality headsets during miscarriage procedures. It builds on previous work that shows VR headsets can help reduce pain during some medical procedures. Researcher Dr Nina Parker says the aim is "to transport them to sort of a more calm, virtual reality world for distraction from the pain and anxiety during the procedure". She adds: "There is nothing that we are ever going to be able to do that takes away from the loss and the trauma of losing pregnancy and having a miscarriage. "But if we can do everything that we can to minimise any additional trauma we might be adding to in the interactions that are had within the hospital, then we are obligated to do that." Read full story Source: BBC News, 8 April 2022 -
News Article
NHS gender identity service for children can’t cope with demand, review finds
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
The only NHS gender identity service for children in England and Wales is under unsustainable pressure as the demand for the service outstrips capacity, a review has found. The interim report of the Cass Review, commissioned by NHS England in 2020, recommends that a network of regional hubs be created to provide care and support to young people with gender incongruence or dysphoria, arguing their care is “everyone’s business”. Led by the paediatrician Hilary Cass, the interim report explains that the significant rise in referrals to the Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) at the Tavistock and Portman NHS foundation trust in London has resulted in overwhelmed staff and waiting lists of up to two years that leave young people “at considerable risk” of distress and deteriorating mental health. Last spring, the Care Quality Commission demanded monthly updates on numbers on waiting lists and actions to reduce them in a highly critical report on GIDS. Differing views and lack of open discussion about the nature of gender incongruence in childhood and adolescence – and whether transition is always the best option – means that patients can experience a “clinician lottery”, says the new review, which carried out extensive interviews with professionals and those with lived experience. It notes that the clinical approach used by GIDS “has not been subjected to some of the usual control measures” typically applied with new treatments. Another significant issue raised with the review team was that of “diagnostic overshadowing”, whereby once a young person is identified as having gender-related distress, other complex needs – such as neurodiversity or a mental health problem that would normally be managed by local services – can be overlooked. Read full story Source: The Guardian, 10 March 2022
