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Showing results for tags 'Scotland'.
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Content Article
This is part of our series of Patient Safety Spotlight interviews, where we talk to people working for patient safety about their role and what motivates them. Gordon talks to us about how bureaucracy in the health service can compromise patient safety, the vital importance of agreed quality standards and what hillwalking has taught him about healthcare safety.- Posted
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News Article
NHS board named in Glasgow hospital corporate homicide probe
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
Scotland's largest health board has been named as a suspect in a corporate homicide investigation following the deaths of four patients at a Glasgow hospital campus. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) informed families of the development via a closed Facebook group set up during a water contamination crisis. The board confirmed it had received an update from the Crown Office. But it added there was no indication prosecutors had "formed a final view". Police Scotland launched a criminal investigation in 2021 into a number of deaths at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) campus, including that of 10-year-old Milly Main. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) instructed officers to investigate the deaths of Milly, two other children and 73-year-old Gail Armstrong. Milly's mother previously told a separate public inquiry into the building of several Scottish hospitals that her child's death was "murder". A review earlier found an infection which contributed to Milly's death was probably caused by the QEUH environment. Read full story Source: BBC News, 13 November 2023- Posted
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News Article
Some care home residents may have been "neglected and left to starve" during the pandemic, Scotland's Covid Inquiry is expected to hear. Lawyers representing bereaved relatives said they also anticipate the inquiry will hear some people were forced into agreeing to "do not resuscitate" plans. Shelagh McCall KC told the inquiry that evidence to be led would "point to a systemic failure of the model of care". The public inquiry is investigating Scotland's response to the pandemic. Ms McCall is representing Bereaved Relatives Group Skye, a group of bereaved relatives and care workers from Skye and five other health board areas of Scotland. In her opening statement, she told the public inquiry that families wanted to know why Covid was allowed to enter care homes and "spread like wildfire" during the pandemic. She added: "As well as revealing the suffering of individuals and their families, we anticipate the evidence in these hearings will point to a systemic failure of the model for the delivery of care in Scotland, for its regulation and inspection. "We anticipate the inquiry will hear that people were pressured to agree to do not resuscitate notices, that people were not resuscitated even though no such notice was in place, that residents may have been neglected and left to starve and that families are not sure they were told the truth about their relative's death." Read full story Source: BBC News, 25 October 2023- Posted
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Content Article
The protests outside the Scottish Parliament took an alarming turn recently with people wearing hospital gowns spattered with blood. The demonstrators were former patients of neurosurgeon Sam Eljamel, many allegedly harmed by him and still suffering and searching for answers years later. A public inquiry has been announced by the First Minister. As the Patient Safety Commissioner for Scotland Bill makes its way into law, Alan Clamp, chief executive officer of the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care, asks what this means for Scotland and the safety of its patients? See also: Working together to achieve safer care for all: a blog by Alan Clamp- Posted
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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- Posted
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Content Article
In this article in the Scotsman, former whistle blower, Iain Kennedy, writes about the culture of fear and blame in Scotland's NHS and how NHS staff must feel free to speak up about problems that affect patient safety.- Posted
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News Article
NHS whistleblowers warn of 'unsafe' A&E staff shortages
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
A group of senior doctors has accused NHS Grampian of ignoring their safety concerns about emergency departments. They told BBC Scotland News they were speaking out because they feel they cannot deliver a safe level of care. The medics said staff shortages meant Grampian's two A&Es have no senior registrars on shift to make key decisions about patients for the majority of weekend night shifts. Documents seen by the BBC News show medics have been raising concerns since 2021, both with NHS Grampian and the Scottish government, and in July this year submitted a formal whistleblowing complaint about the situation. One doctor said: "The staff are in an impossible situation. "We are witnessing ongoing harm with unacceptable delays to the assessment and treatment of patients. "There have been avoidable deaths and at other times there are too long delays getting to patients who may be suffering from a serious condition like stroke or sepsis." Read full story Source: BBC News, 23 August 2023- Posted
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News Article
Edinburgh firm develops blood test for early signs of Alzheimer’s
Patient-Safety-Learning posted a news article in News
A Scottish research firm set up by a dementia expert who quit the NHS because of insufficient “infrastructure” has developed a blood test to allow doctors to identify Alzheimer’s disease earlier. Scottish Brain Sciences, based in Edinburgh, announced it will collaborate with Roche Diagnostics on a series of projects, which the former’s founder, Craig Ritchie, said could have “big impacts”. Ritchie, who has led dozens of drug trials and pilots a European network on preventing Alzheimer’s, had been advocating the need to create new brain health centres across Scotland. Read full story (paywalled) Source: The Times, 14 August 2023 -
News Article
Scottish Covid inquiry start condemned as ‘shambolic and disrespectful’
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
Bereaved families in Scotland questioned the credibility of the Covid-19 inquiry on its opening day. Proceedings started with a presentation in Dundee by the public health physician Dr Ashley Croft, who talked about the scientific and medical understanding of the virus as it existed in late 2019 and how it developed up to the end of last year. Members of the Scottish Covid Bereaved group were said to be “bewildered” by the choice of Croft as first speaker of the inquiry, having previously raised concerns about his being used as an expert witness. The lawyer Aamer Anwar, who is representing the group, highlighted a High Court judgment that reportedly described Croft as providing “flawed, unreliable” and “unconvincing” evidence and displaying “a cavalier approach to important evidence”. Pointing out that no respects were paid to the many people who lost their lives during the pandemic during the presentation either, Anwar described the inquiry’s start as “embarrassing” and “deeply disrespectful”. Read full story (paywalled) Source: The Times, 27 July 2023 -
News Article
Faulty concrete fears at 250 NHS Scotland sites
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
More than 250 NHS buildings in Scotland could contain a potentially dangerous type of concrete that can collapse without warning. NHS Scotland issued a Safety Action Notice in February and completed a "desktop survey" of its estate in June. Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) was used to build roofs, walls and floors from the 1960s to the 1990s. NHS Scotland has warned the material is potentially vulnerable to "catastrophic failure without warning". But a Scottish government spokesperson said there was "no evidence to suggest that these buildings are not safe." Read full story Source: BBC News, 25 July 2023 -
Event
Scottish Speak Up Conference
Sam posted an event in Community Calendar
This conference is for staff involved in managing concerns in NHS Scotland, including the promotion, delivery, and use of the Whistleblowing Standards. The Independent National Whistleblowing Office are supporting the event. It will explore the legislative requirements around whistleblowing and the benefits of effective management of concerns. The programme concludes with a focus on what a healthy speak up culture looks like and how that can be delivered. The day will be chaired by John Sturrock, KC, and include a keynote presentation from Rosemary Agnew, the Independent National Whistleblowing Officer. It also brings together expert speakers from NHS Scotland, Scottish Government, trade union and academia with expertise in speaking up, culture change, quality, safety and candour. The programme will consider the Whistleblowing Standards since their launch in April 2021, as they approach their anticipated 3-year review. It offers an opportunity to share good practice, support ongoing improvements and promote an effective Speak Up culture that works from the bedside to the boardroom. Programme Register- Posted
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Content Article
As reported recently, the Scottish Healthcare Workers Coalition called upon the Scottish Government to reinstate 'universal masking' in health and social care settings. In this statement written in support of their campaign, an occupational safety and health practitioner, David Osborn, explains the legal requirements for risk assessments that the Government ought to have undertaken before reaching such a decision that exposes healthcare staff to the life-changing consequences associated with repeat Covid-19 infections. He also explains the legal duty of the Government to consult with workers before implementing changes that may affect their health and safety. Neither duty (risk assessment nor prior consultation with workers) appears to have been well met, putting the Scottish Government and Health Boards in breach of UK-wide health and safety law. -
Content Article
In this report, Professor Brian Edwards summarises contributions given to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry by various politicians and senior civil servants, relating to how prepared the UK and Scottish Governments were for the Covid-19 pandemic. It contains reflections on the contributions of: Nicola Sturgeon (First Minister of Scotland during the pandemic) Matt Hancock (Secretary of State for Health and Social Care during the pandemic) Jenny Harries (Chief Executive of the UK Health Security Agency) Emma Reed (civil servant, DHSC)- Posted
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News Article
Doctors call for return of face mask guidance
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
Doctors have warned the decision to remove face mask guidance in healthcare settings is "playing Russian roulette" with staff and patients' welfare. It was withdrawn in May in hospitals, dentists and GP surgeries having been in place since June 2020. Doctors from the British Medical Association (BMA) Scotland condemned the decision at the time. Now, the Scottish Healthcare Workers Coalition has written to ministers to highlight the "very serious flaws" in changing the guidance. The group is made up of Scottish healthcare workers who worked throughout the pandemic and are now living with long Covid or another chronic post-viral illness or disability. In the letter, the coalition states the updated guidance is not based on the science of coronavirus transmission and "represents a flawed and dangerous decision which will result in more infection in health and social care settings". Dr Shaun Peter Qureshi, of the Scottish Healthcare Workers Coalition, said: "At-risk patients have entirely legitimate concerns that they may endanger their health by visiting their GP or hospital. "With at least 4% of NHS staff now living with chronic post-Covid complications, the Scottish government must follow the evidence and improve protections from the airborne spread (of the virus) in healthcare settings, not reduce them." Read full story Source: BBC News, 17 July 2023 -
Content Article
Transvaginal mesh case record review (20 June 2023)
Patient Safety Learning posted an article in Women's health
The final report on the Transvaginal Mesh Case Record Review.- Posted
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- Womens health
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News Article
Ayrshire MSP Katy Clark wants ban on surgical mesh use in hernia ops
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
AN Ayrshire MSP has called for an end to surgical mesh being implanted in hernia patients in Scotland. A Freedom of Information request by Labour's Katy Clark has revealed that one in 12 of all hernia patients in NHS Ayrshire and Arran who have been implanted with surgical mesh since 2015 have been readmitted to hospital due to complications. And the West of Scotland MSP has backed a petition by constituents calling for the suspension of the use of surgical mesh until an independent review has been carried out. It follows the recent public health scandal over the pain and suffering endured by many women across Scotland implanted with transvaginal mesh. It took years of tireless campaigning by affected women before the Scottish Government took action, last year creating a mesh removal reimbursement scheme. Read full story Source: Irvine Times, 9 June 2023- Posted
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News Article
Almost 780,000 on NHS Scotland waiting lists
Patient-Safety-Learning posted a news article in News
Almost 780,000 Scots found themselves on an NHS waiting list for an appointment, treatment, or test, new figures show. Statistics published on Tuesday by Public Health Scotland show a rise in the number of people waiting, from 772,887 on December 31 to 779,533 as of March 31. Some 479,725 people were waiting for an outpatient appointment on March 31, an increase of 0.5% (2,617) from December 31 and 14.5% higher than the same date last year. Since March 2020 – the beginning of lockdowns in response to the pandemic in the UK – the waiting list has grown by 87%. A Scottish Government target aims to ensure 95% of patients are seen within 12 weeks. Of those waits, 31,498 people had been waiting longer than 1 year for their procedure, the figures show. Humza Yousaf, Scotland's First Minister said: "There’s going to be a long way to go. The recovery plan is purposely a 5-year recovery plan because we know that recovery from the pandemic—which was the biggest shock the NHS faced for almost 75 years—is going to take us not weeks or months, but years to recover from." Read full story Source: Medscape, 31 May 2023 -
Content Article
In this article, Professor Paul Bowie, Programme Director for Safety & Improvement at NHS Education for Scotland (NES), outlines an NES research project which aimed to critically review the safety-related content, language and assumptions of a small but diverse range of health and care safety learning reports, policies, databases and curricula.- Posted
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Content Article
The COVID-19 Recovery Committee has published its report on Long Covid and post-Covid syndrome, urging the Scottish Government to take action to address the stigma surrounding the condition and improve awareness among the public and healthcare professionals. The inquiry focussed on the awareness and recognition, therapy and rehabilitation, and study and research linked to Long Covid, with the Committee noting “concern” in their findings over reports of patients being unable to get the correct diagnosis and the lack of treatment for common conditions associated with the condition. The Committee said it was “deeply saddened” to learn about the stigma faced by those with lived and living experience of Long Covid, and the report highlights the impact that the lack of awareness and recognition of Long Covid can have on those with the condition.- Posted
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- Long Covid
- Pandemic
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News Article
NHS Scotland calls 13,000 women for smear tests after error
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
Thousands of women are to be called for smear tests after errors in Scotland's cervical screening programme. In June 2021 it was discovered that several women had died from cervical cancer after being wrongly excluded from NHS Scotland's screening list. Now a further review expects to find 13,000 patients who have had a hysterectomy will need further tests. MSPs were told two years ago that a small number had died from cervical cancer after wrongful exclusion from the programme, and that further incorrect exclusions were possible. The most common reason for exclusion was after a total hysterectomy, where the entire cervix has been removed, meaning there was no need for cervical screening. But some were recorded as having had this procedure where there was only a sub-total or partial hysterectomy, meaning cervical screening was still needed. An urgent audit followed and all affected women were invited for follow-up examination. Now, a wider audit of 150,000 women who have had subtotal hysterectomies has been launched. Read full story Source: BBC News, 17 April 2023- Posted
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Event
untilThis national learning event will bring together clinical and improvement leaders involved or interested in the Scottish Patient Safety Programme. Aims of the day: Explore the organisational and system wide conditions that enable the safe delivery of care amidst increasing system pressures Learn how The SPSP Essentials of Safe Care are supporting improvements in safety Provide a forum for leaders and teams working across all aspects of SPSP to come together to share and learn This event page is for delegates wishing to attend the morning plenary sessions only as a virtual delegate. Agenda: 10:00 - Chair’s Welcome (Professor Sir Gregor Smith, Chief Medical Officer for Scotland, Scottish Government) 10:10 - Ministerial Address (Maree Todd, Member of the Scottish Parliament & Minister for Public Health, Women’s Health and Sport) 10:25 - SPSP Update (Joanne Matthews, Head of Improvement Support & Safety, Healthcare Improvement Scotland) 10:40 - Plenary Session (Professor Mary Dixon-Woods, Director of THIS Institute & The Health Foundation Professor at the University of Cambridge) 11:25 - Plenary Q&A 11:40 - A System View (Robbie Pearson, Chief Executive, Healthcare Improvement Scotland) 11:50 - Chair’s Summary ((Professor Sir Gregor Smith, Chief Medical Officer for Scotland, Scottish Government) Register- Posted
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News Article
Virus almost 'wholly responsible' for spike in dementia deaths
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
People with dementia, particularly care home residents early in the pandemic, were “disproportionately” vulnerable to fatal Covid infections, according to a new report. The analysis, commissioned by the Scottish Government, also found that excess deaths involving dementia during 2020 were “almost wholly” attributable to Covid. Of the 2,154 deaths where both dementia and Covid were listed on the death certificate, 95 per cent had Covid as the main underlying cause. This contradicts previous suggestions that a rise in dementia deaths early in the pandemic may have been linked indirectly to the virus as a result of “lockdown distress” or an increased use of potentially harmful sedation in elderly people confused by restrictions. The report also found that 73% (1,577) of those who died with both Covid and dementia mentioned on their death certificates had passed away in care homes. Henry Simmons, chief executive of Alzheimer’s Scotland, said their loved ones had been “torn apart by grief and loss” and that the report “raises many more questions as to why so many people with dementia living in care homes quickly became victims of Covid-19”. Read full story Source: The Herald, 10 February 2022 -
News Article
Long waits at Scotland's A&E 'putting patients at serious risk'
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
Long waits at accident and emergency (A&E) departments in Scotland continue to put patient safety at “serious risk”, the Royal College of Emergency Medicine has warned. New figures from Public Health Scotland show 78 per cent of patients visiting A&E in the week to January 23 were seen and admitted, transferred or discharged within four hours. This is an increase on the previous week, but still below the Scottish Government target of 95% It comes as the number of planned operations across NHS Scotland dropped 13% from November to December, to 17,835. Dr John Thomson, vice-president of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine in Scotland, said the college was concerned poor A&E performance times are becoming the “status quo”. “With fewer attendances performance has plateaued, but be in no doubt that the health service and its staff in Scotland remain under unprecedented pressure and increasing burnout,” he said. Dr Thomson added: “The impact of this continued poor performance is distress and moral injury to staff and serious discomfort and risk to the safety of patients. Read full story Source: The Scotsman, 2 February 2022- Posted
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