Emergency services related deaths

Noted (AI summary) The Clinical Commissioning Group provides information and context regarding the MPDS algorithm, the identification of ineffective breathing, ambulance performance data, and staffing levels within NWAS, without stating planned actions. NHS England will hold a learning event with all ambulance services and triage system providers to share best practice and ensure ambulance services utilise triage systems safely and effectively in identifying ineffective breathing in asthma patients.

Noted (AI summary) West Midlands Ambulance Service took immediate action by informing all frontline staff of requirements for medical gas cylinder assembly/disassembly and sharing lessons learned with partner organizations. The CQC acknowledges the concerns but states it is outside of their remit to issue or change formal guidance or policies around oxygen usage or safety, as they are not clinical experts. They will continue to communicate with WMAS and monitor actions taken to improve safety. HSE will support MHRA as the lead authority and will use its communication channels to promote any information/guidance produced by the MHRA. They will also consider if HSE guidance document INDG459 should be updated to reflect any new information/guidance produced. MHRA has commenced a dialogue with the Association of Anaesthetists and the Safe Anaesthesia Liaison Group of the Royal College of Anaesthetists to raise awareness of ignition within valve components of oxygen cylinders. MHRA was represented on a multiagency group which hopes to publish guidance once ratified by the Councils of both the RCoA and the AA.

Noted (AI summary) Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust will audit patients treated at home to gather feedback on information provided, review the PIL template content, conduct spot audits of care plans, launch a communications campaign for staff on detailed care plans for non-conveyance, and develop tick-box indicators on the EPR. The future intention is to embed the PIL content into the EPR and email it to the patient and their primary care provider. The National Medical Director describes existing NHS Pathways triage processes, including the use of a standard set of questions and validation of information by clinicians. They state that shared care records allow clinicians to access information on long-term conditions, medical history, medications, and allergies.

Noted (AI summary) The Department acknowledges the concerns, notes the role of the AACE in disseminating learning, and highlights the Quality Standards Framework for telecare providers. It has asked officials to bring the concerns to the attention of ADASS.

Noted (AI summary) NICE notes that its guideline CG179 provides relevant guidance on pressure sore prevention in emergency departments and no further action is required, but mentions a multi-year programme to improve how NICE produces and presents guidance and advice. The Department for Health and Social Care notes the existence of NICE guidelines on pressure sore prevention and that Stockport NHS Foundation Trust has adopted a Patient Safety Checklist and improved access to dynamic mattresses.

Noted (AI summary) NHS England will continue to work with HEE, the professional Royal Colleges, and other organizations to stay updated on new guidance and resources for managing severe allergies, and will explore using communication routes or commissioning levers to support their adoption. They also describe their assurance role for CCGs and commissioning of healthcare services. Advanced states they will work with NHS Digital to develop a standard for electronic updating of ambulance systems to inform them when an ambulance has been recalled. They also suggest an independent review of clinical triage systems. NICE notes that the British National Formulary (BNF) and BNF for Children (BNFc) already contain detailed advice on adrenaline auto-injectors, including MHRA/CHM advice from 2017 and 2019. It will consider how best to make clear in CG134 the advice that 2 adrenaline auto-injectors should be prescribed, which patients should carry at all times. NHS Digital details changes made to NHS Pathways following the incident, including improving the Anaphylaxis algorithm, developing an audit framework, and conducting a user satisfaction survey to improve call-handling and call prioritisation. Bausch & Lomb distributes trainer pens to allergy clinics and is currently reviewing the design of its trainer pens to incorporate a needle cover shield extension when activated, to more closely replicate the patient experience with the actual pen. The Winchmore Hill Practice undertook an audit of patients prescribed Emerade to ensure dosage was in accordance with the BNF, reviewed AAI pen doses, and contacted patients with up-to-date advice from the MHRA. The practice has shared learning with the CCG medicine management team and amended the message on scriptswitch; any proposed changes to be made by CCG Pharmacist, will need to be approved by a Senior doctor at the practice. LAS clarifies the division of responsibilities for triage systems, stating that ECPAG and NHS Digital are responsible for setting categories and addressing inconsistencies between systems. LAS will discuss the PFD report at relevant user groups. The Department of Health and Social Care notes several actions, including the FSA working to get emerging trend information and alert local authorities, and working to identify means of access to relevant datasets so they can be included for analysis of food-related cases of anaphylaxis. The Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch (HSIB) will consider the matters of concern in the report and whether these meet its criteria for national investigation when the situation allows. Enfield CCG distributed a Medicines Safety Bulletin on Adrenaline Auto Injectors (AAIs) to GPs and other primary care healthcare professionals on 30th January 2020 and has contacted all GP practices. They are implementing a post-incident review and a report will be completed to ensure all actions identified are implemented to prevent a recurrence, including a review of governance processes and decision-making points.

Noted (AI summary) The Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE) outlines the triage process for 999 calls, the role of the Emergency Call Prioritisation Advisory Group (ECPAG), and references a letter sent to ambulance trusts in April 2019 from NHS England regarding clinical oversight for self-harm and suicidal patients. NASMeD previously encouraged all ambulance trusts to implement clinical review of these cases.

Noted (AI summary) The NPCC provides clarification on police vehicle speed limits and emergency equipment operation, stating that there's no national proposal to add further equipment activation indicators due to potential driver distraction.