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.
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