2019

Noted (AI summary) The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledges the report but states that a response will be delayed due to an upcoming General Election. They will contact the office to agree on a new deadline once a new administration is in place. The College of Policing and NPCC are working with forces and medical service partners to address concerns related to Acute Behavioural Disturbance, including raising awareness and consistency in recognition and response. The Chair of the NPCC will write to all Chief Constables to bring the content of the PFD to their attention. Joint guidance between ambulance services and police forces is in development, overseen by a joint committee. AACE will share operational considerations with the National Directors of Operations Group (NDOG) for ambulance services, and will discuss the report at future meetings. St John Ambulance is providing additional Continuous Professional Development training around Acute Behavioural Disturbance. They have also raised the topic for inclusion in the latest version of the First Aid Manual.

Noted (AI summary) Highways England acknowledges receipt of the report and briefly summarises their procedures for temporary road closures, stating that closures are kept to the shortest time possible and safety is prioritised. Ford acknowledges the report and emphasises their commitment to customer safety and quality control, highlighting their monitoring and improvement processes, but doesn't commit to any specific action as a result of this case. Highways England clarifies the oversight role of the Department for Transport (DfT) and Office of Road and Rail (ORR), and explains its statutory powers regarding traffic regulation orders under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. It notes the absence of incentives or penalties related to hard shoulder closures.

Noted (AI summary) The Trust has implemented a new triage process managed by Site Nurse Practitioners, enabling prioritization of patients needing urgent admission within 48 hours. They are also looking at an electronic referral system and increasing the number of beds for Thoracic Surgery patients by Q1 2020. The Department of Health acknowledges the concerns, notes that NHS England is responding separately, and highlights peer review activities of thoracic services in London and oversight to ensure timely access to thoracic surgery. The response also references the legal duty of candour for NHS trusts during investigations. NHS England is reviewing capacity for thoracic surgery, including critical care beds, in light of new lung cancer pilots and concerns raised. They will keep pathways under review to ensure timely access to high-quality services.

Noted (AI summary) Staffordshire County Council acknowledges the coroner's concerns regarding the B5017 Burton Road but states that collision data does not currently justify traffic calming measures. They are investigating if the road can be included in another funded scheme.