Inspections into how NHS Trusts investigate deaths of patients
- Apr 13, 2016
- EmmaArnold
Hospital Trusts will be monitored on how they learn from the deaths of patients in new recommendations set out this week.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) will write to all Trusts asking how many patients have died and how they investigate their deaths.
This announcement comes after the scandal at Southern Health where hundreds of unexpected deaths were not reported.
Reviews from the CQC aim to find out what NHS Trusts are learning when it comes to investigating the deaths of people who have died in their care and how they support and engage with the family of the deceased.
Hannah Bottomley, clinical negligence solicitor at PotterReesDolan, said:
I have always felt passionately about representing the families of patients who have died following or during the provision of healthcare and know from experience that transparency is key.
I hope that the CQC review is able to achieve real gains in making healthcare safer for those in such vulnerable positions and the processes where an individual has passed away clear and more accessible for their families.
There will be a particular focus on the deaths of patients with learning disabilities and mental health problems.
If you have suffered a bereavement of a family member during or following the provision of healthcare and would like more information regarding hospital complaint processes or Inquests contact a member of our specialist clinical negligence team on 0161 237 5888.
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