Serious consideration should be given by DHSC to the setting up of a panel of independent
experts from all specialties to be called upon in situations where there are emerging
concerns about an individual and harm to a patient or patients. A team from any specialty
or combination of specialties would be drawn from the panel to conduct a swift, technical
investigation into the concerns raised. This may most often be necessary where there are
concerns that harm is being or has been caused inadvertently.
The precise make-up of the panel should be determined by DHSC but could include,
for example:
a. two doctors and two nurses from each clinical specialty
b. four senior managers
c. four pathologists including paediatric and perinatal pathologists
d. other experts as decided by DHSC.
Where necessary, a small team (always including clinicians from the relevant specialty/
specialties) would be drawn from the panel to carry out an independent investigation into
clinical concerns. Such investigations should always include safeguarding considerations
(including contacting the police). In addition to reporting their findings to the Trust and
DHSC, the experts would be available to be called as witnesses in any proceedings that
may follow.2