NPSA Never Events Framework Published

National Patient Safety Agency: ‘Never events’ list published

The National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) has recently published its “Never Events Framework”.

Never Events are “serious, largely preventable patient safety incidents that should not occur if the available preventative measures have been implemented”.

There are eight “Never Events”:
 Wrong site surgery
 Retained surgical instruments
 Incorrect route of administration of chemotherapy
 Misplaced nasa or orogastric tubes
 Inpatient suicide using non-collapsible rails
 Escape from medium or high secure mental health services by transferred prisoners
 Maternal death from post-partum haemorrhage following elective caesarean section
 Intravenous administration of potassium chloride

Medical negligence Lawyers have known for some time that these events should not occur and that by their very nature negligence will often be established. However, it is encouraging that this framework has been produced to raise awareness within the NHS and to provide proper reporting procedures.

It is not realistic to expect that the Never Events will never occur; after all, NHS staff are only human and mistakes can be made. What is important is that procedures are in place to minimise (so far as possible) the chance of the events occurring.

A victim of a Never Event would usually have grounds to investigate a potential medical negligence claim. If you have been the victim of a Never Event, or any other form of medical negligence, contact us today to discuss your concerns with a specialist Lawyer.

Link: NPSA Never Events Framework