2021

PFD Reports
Reports: 419 Areas: 62

83% response rate (above 63% average).

Clear 304 results
Stephen MAGUIRE
All Responded
2021-0138 5 May 2021 Birmingham and Solihull
Options for Care Ltd
Concerns summary (AI summary) A personal alarm failed due to not being charged, indicating a flaw in the alarm charging and checking system for staff, which poses a significant risk if alarms are unusable during emergencies.
Action Taken (AI summary) Dartmouth House has introduced a 'security lead' role to check PIT alarms at the beginning of each shift and ensure they are working correctly. They will reinforce training through supervision sessions and staff meetings, and agency staff will receive training on PIT alarm use.
Laura Booth
All Responded
2021-0137 5 May 2021 South Yorkshire (West District)
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Founda…
Concerns summary (AI summary) Senior clinicians and staff displayed a grave lack of understanding and application of the Mental Capacity Act, with inadequate training leading to failures in best interests decision-making and patient/family involvement.
Action Taken (AI summary) The Trust has taken several actions to improve Mental Capacity Act (MCA) understanding, including enhanced MCA training, clearer documentation guidelines, and Health Passport promotion. They also reviewed the verification of death process and found the documentation to be accurate based on the patient's condition at the time of death.
Hannah Bampfylde
All Responded
2021-0136 5 May 2021 Surrey
Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Concerns summary (AI summary) Poor communication protocols meant Hannah's GP was unaware of her non-engagement with mental health services. The engagement policy lacked clarity on re-booking appointments and escalating non-attendance, allowing newly referred patients to slip through the system.
Action Taken (AI summary) Since September 2020, the Referral Co-ordinator is the person who books any further initial assessment appointments and not the Team Administrator. The requirement to notify the GP is stated in their Active Engagement Did Not Attend (DNA) Management Policy; weekly administration support is in place to ensure that all DNA cases have been identified and our Referral Co-ordinator oversees the rebooking of assessments and/or informs the GP of discharge from Horsham ATS.
William Simons
All Responded
2021-0133 4 May 2021 Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin
Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust
Concerns summary (AI summary) The hospital's tele-tracking system led to communication breakdown and confusion over patient transport, with porters unaware of fall risks and unclear roles regarding patient assistance.
Action Taken (AI summary) The hospital has taken steps to clarify procedures for patient transport, including specifying transport modes in consultation with nursing staff and implementing visual alerts for patients at risk of falls. They have also delivered falls awareness training to portering staff and clarified responsibilities for safe patient transfers.
Rohan Singh
All Responded
2021-0134 30 Apr 2021 East London
Dept. of Health and Social Care, Camden…
Concerns summary (AI summary) A mental health ward failed to prevent a patient from retaining dangerous contraband despite searches. Staff made false observation records due to a culture of impunity, and critical monitoring protocols after rapid tranquilisation were not followed.
Noted (AI summary) The Metropolitan Police Service will develop additional training on recording property, especially regarding risk, and implement it in the "Street Duties" course for probationer constables. The officer involved in the incident has been spoken to and advised on recording property and circumstances for seizure. The Trust has discussed the concerns with Borough Lead Nurses and sent letters to nursing staff, highlighting expectations for patient searches, observations, and rapid tranquilisation monitoring. The Trust now requires formal training and competency assessment for staff conducting searches and observations, with Registered Nurses exclusively performing RT monitoring within eyesight for the first hour post-administration. The Department acknowledges the concerns and outlines actions taken by the East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT), NHS England and NHS Improvement (NHSE & NHSI), and the Care Quality Commission (CQC). It highlights ongoing monitoring and planned inspections of ELFT.
Elliot Burton
All Responded
2021-0131 30 Apr 2021 West Yorkshire (East)
Yorkshire Hydropower Ltd, Foresight Gro…
Concerns summary (AI summary) An unmanned, remote site known for youth trespass has deep, uncovered water channels and inadequate perimeter security, presenting a foreseeable drowning risk that remains unaddressed.
Noted (AI summary) Wakefield Council is undertaking physical works, including building robust barriers and installing a safe viewing platform at Kirkthorpe Weir, expected to be completed in mid-July 2021. They are also linking still water body health and safety policies to flowing water areas. Yorkshire Hydropower Limited has undertaken a detailed review of trespasser routes and plans to improve signage, install additional CCTV cameras with remote monitoring, and engage with the local community and police to deter further trespass. Foresight Group states it is the investment advisor to Yorkshire Hydropower Limited (YHL), and does not exercise control over YHL's affairs, so YHL are taking steps to ensure there is no repetition of this tragic accident. Foresight endorses the proposed security measures outlined by YHL, which include additional fencing, warning signs, enhanced CCTV, improved PA system, barriers, covering channels, ongoing liaison with emergency services, and daily manned security presence during summer months. The Canal & River Trust's national Education team produced a Schools Water Safety Awareness Communication and a water safety video aimed at children aged 5-11 years which focuses on the Trust's ‘Stay Away From the Edge’ campaign.
Ann Mowbray
All Responded
2021-0129 30 Apr 2021 Warwickshire
Christian Congregation of Jehova’s Witn…
Concerns summary (AI summary) The Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses lacks a safeguarding policy for vulnerable adult members, despite previous recommendations, posing a risk to their safety.
Noted (AI summary) The Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses asserts that while they provide support to vulnerable adults, they do not formally bring them into their care, thus a formal policy is deemed unnecessary; they rely on Christian duty and scriptural guidance.
Jade Rayner
All Responded
2021-0128 30 Apr 2021 Greater Manchester South
Greater Manchester Health and Social Ca… Greater Manchester Police
Concerns summary (AI summary) Police failed to record and investigate a sexual offence allegation against a vulnerable patient, denying her victim support. There was also a lack of clear multi-agency strategy for complex cases involving trauma and alcohol misuse.
Action Planned (AI summary) Two task and finish groups will review Section 42 and Multi Agency Adults at Risk System processes, with learning to be shared with the Greater Manchester Quality Board and commissioners of services. GMP has implemented the vulnerability assessment framework to identify and assess risk factors, and officers now record care plans after safe and well interviews with vulnerable adults.
Joanna Leven
All Responded
2021-0126 30 Apr 2021 Greater Manchester (South)
Department of Health and Social Care
Concerns summary (AI summary) Gaps exist in national therapeutic pathways for Personality Disorders and trauma support services. Separate computer systems between hospital and mental health liaison create a risk of critical information loss.
Noted (AI summary) The Department acknowledges the concerns and outlines national initiatives to improve mental health services and suicide prevention, including investments in community mental health care and digital information sharing. It notes local action by the Stockport CCG and offers condolences to the family.
Darren Adams
All Responded
2021-0125 29 Apr 2021 South Yorkshire (East)
Practice Plus Group and Resuscitation C…
Concerns summary (AI summary) Nursing staff misdiagnosed post-mortem conditions due to inadequate training in identification, and resuscitation guidance documents contained confusing definitions, risking proper emergency response.
Noted (AI summary) Practice Plus Group has mandated training on the identification of hypostasis and rigor mortis, using scenario-based simulations, and will raise concerns about confusing terminology in existing guidance with NHS England. Resuscitation Council UK acknowledges the concerns but states that detailed training in the recognition of rigor mortis and hypostasis is outside the scope of RCUK training courses, though they encourage starting CPR unless irreversible death is certain. They have shared the response with relevant bodies.
Sean Kay
All Responded
2021-0124 28 Apr 2021 Cambridgeshire & Peterborough
NHS Norfolk Waveney Clinical Commissioning Group
Concerns summary (AI summary) A critical gap in mental health service provision in Norfolk and Waveney meant high-risk patients did not meet criteria for available support, leaving them without appropriate care.
Action Taken (AI summary) NHS Norfolk and Waveney CCG has contacted Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, which confirmed they have improved communication and education between teams to ensure people receive the help they need. The Trust has also undertaken improvement initiatives including a QI project and reflective learning session.
Caitlin Swan
All Responded
2021-0121 27 Apr 2021 Cornwall and Isles of Scilly
CORMAC – Cornwall Council – Highways De…
Concerns summary (AI summary) A concealed road junction on a downhill stretch lacks warning signs, posing a significant hazard to drivers unfamiliar with the acute turn and stationary vehicles.
Action Planned (AI summary) Cornwall Council will erect additional warning signs at the Trebost junction at Tubbon Hill, following the coroner's recommendation.
Alan Massam
All Responded
2021-0120 26 Apr 2021 Manchester South
SoS of Health and Social Care, Greater …
Concerns summary (AI summary) Fragmented inter-agency communication and a lack of clear discharge protocols led to a vulnerable patient being sent to an unsuitable care home. There was also no escalation process for medication refusal, exacerbated by a national bed shortage.
Action Planned (AI summary) CQC will undertake a focused inspection of Lisburne Court, including staffing levels, training, and infection control, and meet with the Chief Executive and new Nominated Individual of Borough Care Limited to discuss the issues raised and seek assurances. Stockport CCG has improved communication between hospital, GP and community services via a common system. GMHSCP is working across the system to look at safe discharges for people with complex needs and has a Learning Disabilities Complex Needs programme underway. The Department of Health and Social Care is preparing a new Dementia Strategy. NHS England and NHS Improvement are working with regional and local partners and the CQC. The CQC are to meet with the Chief Executive of Borough Care Ltd in the interim, to discuss these matters and to seek assurances around the lessons learned from this incident.
Alfred Jones
All Responded
2021-0135 24 Apr 2021 Greater Manchester South
Greater Manchester Health and Social Ca… NHS England
Concerns summary (AI summary) National shortages of MRI scanners and radiology staff led to prolonged hospital stays, increasing patients' risk of falls and contracting nosocomial infections.
Action Planned (AI summary) Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS FT implemented a mobile MRI scanner offering additional outpatient scanning capacity. GMCA GMHSCP are promoting Diagnostic Radiography during career events in 21/22. A NW implementation plan for the next 5 years will be developed. NHS England and NHS Improvement are targeting funding to support diagnostics via the development of community diagnostic hubs which will augment access for inpatient activity in acute hospital services. Expansion of the imaging workforce is being developed in tandem with Health Education England (HEE).
Derek Russell
All Responded
2021-0119 23 Apr 2021 Mid Kent and Medway
Medway Maritime Hospital
Concerns summary (AI summary) A chronic and long-standing shortage of essential falls alarm equipment at the hospital significantly increases patient risk of falls and fatal injuries, compromising staff's ability to provide safety.
Action Planned (AI summary) Medway NHS Foundation Trust is developing a new Standard Operating Procedure and is actively exploring options to source additional falls alarm equipment. A new escalation process will be implemented for non-availability of falls equipment; this will be included in the SOP.
Guy Paget
All Responded
2021-0118 23 Apr 2021 West Yorkshire (East)
HMP Leeds
Concerns summary (AI summary) The prison lacked an efficient, tested system for emergency ambulance exit, leading to delays in transferring a seriously ill prisoner to hospital.
Action Taken (AI summary) The Local Security Strategy (LSS) at HMP Leeds has been revised to clearly outline the system that allows staff to utilise a manual override to facilitate emergency vehicle entry or exit in the event of any mechanical failure.
Kelly Hewitt
All Responded
2021-0180 22 Apr 2021 Milton Keynes
Minister of State for Prisons
Concerns summary (AI summary) There is an inadequate provision of mental health support for prison officers, which needs urgent review.
Action Taken (AI summary) HMPPS employs an Employee Psychological Support Services Clinical Lead. They launched a staff suicide prevention campaign, "Reach Out, Saves Lives" in September 2020, and are working with Remploy to provide learning opportunities. The Post Incident Care Policy is currently being reviewed.
Mary Gwanyama
All Responded
2021-0117 21 Apr 2021 Surrey
Surrey and Borders Partnership
Concerns summary (AI summary) A vulnerable patient was prematurely discharged into homelessness from a mental health unit without proper planning, medical review, or adequate risk assessment, failing to follow Care Programme Approach guidelines.
Action Planned (AI summary) The Trust will update its CPA policy and Acute Care Services Operational Protocol to reflect that anyone who is homeless must have a CPA discharge meeting on the inpatient ward prior to discharge. The CMHRS Operational Policy is going to be updated, with specific attention to the ‘transition’ process to another Trust.
Susan Adams
All Responded
2021-0116 21 Apr 2021 Staffordshire South
St George’s Hospital
Concerns summary (AI summary) Patients living near county boundaries face difficulties accessing consistent secondary psychiatric care, as crisis and long-term treatment services are split across different jurisdictions.
Noted (AI summary) MPFT acknowledges the concerns about commissioning difficulties for patients living near county boundaries, explains how they have worked with other trusts to provide care, and states that the matter has been forwarded to commissioners for consideration.
Ella Kissi-Debrah
All Responded
2021-0113 20 Apr 2021 Inner South London
British Thoracic Society Department for Environment, Food and Ru… Department for Transport +11 more
Concerns summary (AI summary) National air pollution limits exceed WHO guidelines, and there is low public awareness of pollution levels. Medical professionals also fail to adequately communicate the adverse health effects of air pollution.
Action Planned (AI summary) The Mayor of London has implemented measures such as the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and is expanding the monitoring network. They are also supporting health and care system support for vital structural changes. DEFRA, DFT, and DHSC will continue to work to improve public awareness of air pollution, including a pilot project with GPs providing air quality advice and information to a range of vulnerable groups. They will also make expertise available to relevant professional organisations. NICE amended its asthma guideline (NG80) in March 2021 to clarify the link between air pollution and asthma and added links to NICE guidelines on air pollution: outdoor air quality and health and indoor air quality at home. The RCGP is in the process of producing a planetary health element of the curriculum that all new GPs will be assessed against and are also planning a high-profile webinar incorporating elements regarding pollution. The RCP will work with specialist societies to raise the profile of air pollution's impacts, review the internal medicine curriculum, increase knowledge among physicians, produce resources for professionals to discuss air pollution with patients, improve incentives for conversations, and urge government to tighten regulations. The NMC will consider the concerns in their evaluation of pre-registration standards, focusing on communication with families, and identify further activity to ensure professionals understand their obligations to communicate clearly with patients about evidence related to managing and preventing ill-health. The BTS intends to build upon work undertaken to date by raising awareness of the effects of poor air quality, producing an updated Position Statement on air quality and lung health, and adding the health care profession voice to the debate on climate change and air pollution through membership of the UK Health Alliance on Climate Change and involvement in the Taskforce for Lung Health. The RCPCH curriculum includes a domain on health promotion, and they are working with NHS England/Improvement and Health Education England to develop asthma competencies for child health professionals and carers. They also declared a climate emergency and published a report on tackling climate change. HEE will write to the relevant medical Royal Colleges, GMC and NMC to highlight that improving awareness of the impact of air pollution on health should be considered when developing curricula. The GMC will review standards for medical education to consider how environmental issues are covered, encourage medical schools to address air pollution in curricula, and promote inclusion of environmental impacts in postgraduate training curricula. HEE will add the theme of environmental impacts to the list of potentially important areas to consider as they progress the credentialing agenda. UKHACC delivered a pilot project with Global Action Plan, funded by Defra and the Clean Air Fund, to educate paediatricians and respiratory health professionals on air pollution advice for patients. The London Borough of Lewisham has expanded monitoring capacity, taken part in the Breathe London project, and refreshed the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment for Air Quality. They also promote air quality monitoring tools via social media and local advertising, and ensure information is positioned on relevant websites and newsletters.
Peter Hussey
All Responded
2021-0115 19 Apr 2021 Stoke-on-Trent & North Staffordshire Coroner’s Court
Enteral (GB) UK, University Hospital of… MHRA NHS Supply Chain
Concerns summary (AI summary) An enteral feeding and drainage tube's product description and staff training were insufficient, leading to confusion about its reduced bore size. This caused inadequate drainage, and the product is still misleadingly promoted.
Action Planned (AI summary) NHS England and Improvement are working with the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch (HSIB) testing and introducing national patient safety incident investigation training and developing a patient safety incident investigation training procurement framework. GBUK Enteral Ltd has revised device labelling and Instructions For Use (IFU) to remove references to drainage, add warnings about flow restrictions with ENFit connectors, and clarify the intended use as a feeding tube. They have also provided refresher training to sales staff and requested NHS supply chain to update the device description on their website. The Trust has designed a new proforma for evaluating equipment and has updated the Trust e-learning training package for the insertion and on-going management of Nasogastric/Orogastric tubes including troubleshooting guidance and a competency and self-assessment document. The manufacturer has updated the product labelling for the Carefeed devices to remove the secondary intended use of drainage; MHRA will write to UK manufacturers of nasogastric tubes to advise them of the risk associated with the use of the ISO standard ENFit connector in aspiration/decompression situations and ask them to update their risk assessment and is collaborating with NHS England and Improvement on raising awareness on the Medical Devices Safety Officers' (MDSO) network.
Stephen Oakes
All Responded
2021-0114 19 Apr 2021 Stoke-on-Trent & North Staffordshire Coroner’s Court
Enteral (GB) UK, University Hospital of… Industry Groups Supply Chain Stakeholders
Concerns summary (AI summary) Product description for a 14Fr feeding/drainage tube was misleading due to a restrictive connector, leading to inadequate drainage. Hospital evaluation was insufficient, and staff lacked training on product changes and alternative actions.
Action Planned (AI summary) The manufacturer has updated the product labelling for the Carefeed devices to remove the secondary intended use of drainage; MHRA will write to UK manufacturers of nasogastric tubes to advise them of the risk associated with the use of the ISO standard ENFit connector in aspiration/decompression situations and ask them to update their risk assessment and is collaborating with NHS England and Improvement on raising awareness on the Medical Devices Safety Officers' (MDSO) network. GBUK has revised device labelling and instructions for use, removing all references to drainage and adding warnings about flow restrictions with ENFit connectors and has provided refresher training to its sales force regarding nasogastric feeding tubes and ENFit connectors. The Trust has designed a new proforma for evaluating equipment and has updated the Trust e-learning training package for the insertion and on-going management of Nasogastric/Orogastric tubes including troubleshooting guidance and a competency and self-assessment document. NHS England and Improvement are working with the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch (HSIB) testing and introducing national patient safety incident investigation training and developing a patient safety incident investigation training procurement framework.
Roy Evans
All Responded
2021-0112 16 Apr 2021 County of Ceredigion
Ceredigion County Council and Bucher Mu…
Concerns summary (AI summary) A vehicle should have been taken out of service due to multiple safety defects, including worn tyres and a fractured arm pivot, but remained in use after an inspection.
Noted (AI summary) Bucher Municipal, the manufacturer of the machine involved, asserts they were neither the user nor maintainer and their interventions had no bearing on the accident. They state the machine's manual specifies required maintenance checks. Ceredigion County Council outlines existing measures and improvements to vehicle maintenance and management systems implemented before July 2018, including documentation sign-offs, lesson learned processes, and monthly audits. They also increased the frequency of roller brake tests in December 2019 and undertook FTA audits in March 2020.
Yusuf Seyit
All Responded
2021-0111 16 Apr 2021 London Inner South
University Hospital Lewisham
Concerns summary (AI summary) A high-risk patient with infection symptoms did not receive timely antibiotic intervention. There was no clear treatment plan, and the actual administration time for a critical antibiotic was not confirmed.
Action Taken (AI summary) University Hospital Lewisham has re-audited sepsis performance against the Sepsis 6 Bundle standards, ensured all wards are stocked with the paper version of the Sepsis Assessment Bundle, reminded staff to administer critical medications within one hour of prescription, and is prioritising the implementation of an electronic (iCare) Sepsis Bundle.
Danielle Broadhead
All Responded
2021-0104 15 Apr 2021 West Yorkshire (Western)
Roads and Highways – Kirklees Council
Concerns summary (AI summary) The existing road layout and measures highlighting the kerb need review to ensure they meet safety regulations, particularly regarding the commencement of the kerb.
Action Planned (AI summary) Kirklees Council will extend the northern footway by 18m to improve pedestrian crossing opportunities on Barnsley Road. These works are part of a footway maintenance scheme started on May 7th 2021.