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Patient Safety Incidents

We treat millions of people in the NHS. Sometimes things can go wrong. These are known as Patient Safety Incidents.

A patient safety incident is any unintended or unexpected event.

We use the ‘Patient Safety Incident Response Framework’ (PSIRF) to investigate these incidents.

How will I know if a patient safety incident has happened?

We will be open and honest about incidents that have happened. This is known as ‘Duty of Candour’.

If it is believed that something has gone wrong during your care, you will be told about this as soon as possible. We will say sorry and explain to you what went wrong.

What if I think something has gone wrong?

Please tell the team caring for you, so we can investigate what happened. Caring for you is our priority. A family, friend or carer can do this on your behalf if you would prefer.

What happens if I have been harmed?

We will treat you straight away and ensure your support needs are met. We will listen to you and the incident will be recorded. We will give you the facts. We will say sorry.

What happens if I am a patient in an incident?

You will have a dedicated member of staff as your contact. They will provide you with all the information about your incident. Investigating incidents can take time.

Your dedicated member of staff will give you their phone number and be available between 9am to 5pm if you want to talk to them.

You can also tell us when you want to be contacted or if you don’t want to be contacted at all.

Once we have all the information, we will provide you with the outcome of what we have found and can arrange to meet with you, if you would like to. You can always bring a friend, family member or carer, or ask them to meet us on your behalf.

Sources of Further Information

Read the NHS England Patient Safety Incident Response Framework

Read our Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF)

Please ask a member of staff if you would like help in understanding this information.

This information can be made available in audio, Braille and in other languages.