Highlights : This Editor
?? Serious untoward incident reviews/ investigations should identify the staff involved,
establish their level of involvement and staff should be provided with copies of all relevant notes.
Staff should be given the opportunity to comment on their involvement/ evidence
and should not face adverse action or blame.
?? Serious untoward incident procedures should adopt an open approach when helping staff and families/ carers involved in the incident.
A senior member of staff should be given the responsibility
of ensuring that the family/ carers of both the patients and victims are fully informed throughout the investigation process,
are offered appropriate support, care and counselling
and .are provided with a copy of the investigation report and given the opportunity to discuss its contents.
?? Strategic Health Authorities and Trusts are responsible for ensuring
that both internal and external investigations take place without unnecessary delay
and that potential learning is disseminated as soon as possible.
All resulting conclusions, recommendations and action plans should be considered and acted upon and progress should be monitored.
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