2023

Noted (AI summary) NHS England acknowledges concerns about the shortage of Paediatric Pathologists and delays to reports. They describe recruitment incentives and development of a curriculum for placental pathology reporting, but provide no timeline. They will raise the SUDIC protocol revision with the Royal Colleges and relevant government departments. The GMC acknowledges the concern about the shortage of paediatric pathologists but states it does not have a direct role in recruitment or determining training numbers. They outline their role in registration processes and efforts to streamline these for overseas-trained doctors. The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledges concerns over workforce capacity, genetic screening, and sudden death in childhood, noting that NHS England is working on these issues. They mention the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan, the NHS Genomic Medicine Service, and the NHS-Coronial-Sudden Unexpected Death pilot.

Noted (AI summary) SWASFT has reminded all Private Ambulance Providers (PAPs) of the Appropriate Care Pathway Policy regarding GP referrals and the Dorset Integrated Urgent Care Service (IUCS) GP Alert service. The ECS has been successfully reintroduced and they are reviewing and updating their Business Continuity Plans, looking at adopting the Scribe ECS as a secondary fall-back system. Dorset Integrated Care Board acknowledges the concerns but states Dorset has a well-established Access Mental Health service. They state SWASFT are in discussions with Dorset HealthCare and the police about operational processes and developing the trusted assessor model. The Department acknowledges the concerns raised and outlines the regulatory framework for health and care professionals. It details the SCoPEd framework being adopted by professional counselling bodies but notes these bodies do not fall under Government oversight.

Noted (AI summary) The Council provides a summary of Adult Social Care involvement prior to Mr. Hall's admission and highlights existing procedures and challenges in the social care market, including working with the independent sector and addressing gaps. It acknowledges challenges in the social care market and are continually working to address these through more flexible, sustainable and outcome focussed services.

Noted (AI summary) The IOPC expresses condolences and explains its role in the police complaints system. It details the recommendations made to Durham Constabulary, their response, and the IOPC's follow-up actions to seek further clarity on the acceptance of recommendations. DWP expresses condolences and states that existing guidance and support are adequate for vulnerable customers. They describe the call-back procedure followed and note that the ESA agent did not stop Ms Holmes’ benefit pending receipt of a PW1 form, indicating recognition of her vulnerabilities. TEWV acknowledges concerns and details actions taken including confirming assessment methods, developing an interim policy to address disputes between police and mental health services, and preparing a patient safety briefing on actions to take when disputes arise with partner agencies. The Police and Crime Commissioner acknowledges receipt of the report and expresses condolences. They state they have discussed the concerns with the Chief Constable, who has implemented an interim escalation policy with TEWV pending the roll-out of the national ‘Right Care Right Person’ approach. The constabulary has worked with TEWV to develop a strong partnership plan, implemented an interim escalation policy, and will train frontline officers with a national training package and local guidance.

Noted (AI summary) Outwood Grange Academies Trust details the mental health and wellbeing services involved with the academy, referral processes, and discharge procedures. They note that further guidance from the DfE on support in schools for pupils who are transgendering is still awaited. The DfE is working with the Minister for Women and Equalities to develop guidance to support schools and colleges in relation to children who are questioning their gender, with a public consultation planned before publication. The Department of Health and Social Care outlines NHS England's plans to increase access to community mental health services for children and young people, and to implement new access and waiting time standards. They also describe NHS England's overhaul of children’s gender identity services following recommendations from Dr. Cass.

Noted (AI summary) ABTA acknowledges the coroner's concerns and outlines its role in providing guidance to travel industry members and consumers, particularly regarding health and safety. They highlight their work with the FCDO and their consumer safety information, but state they are not aware of the full facts in the specific case. The FCDO has enhanced its Travel Advice on swimming safety to include a link to the Royal Life Saving Society’s (RLSS) “Water Safety on Holiday” page in the “Swimming safety” section of the “Safety and Security” page.

Noted (AI summary) United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust expresses condolences and clarifies the policy for supplying patients with 14 days of medication upon discharge. They argue that the current policy appropriately balances patient needs with potential risks, given that the patient had a supply of medication that was likely fatal in overdose.