We hope that January has been a good month for you!
In this newsletter, our attention has turned to a concerning trend that has recently come to the forefront – the increasing occurrence of ‘Never Events.’
We analyse the latest NHS data, spotlighting the leading cause, particularly the alarming surge in wrong-site surgeries. Join us as we explore the numbers, uncover the root causes, and discuss the urgent need for improvements in patient safety.
Additionally, catch up on our recent engagements, including The Brain Injury Group’s Cerebral Palsy Conference, and meet the newest additions to the UKEM team.
Rising Concerns: The Growing Impact of NHS ‘Never Events
We have carefully examined the NHS ‘Never Events Data Report’, covering the period from April to November 2023. The report offers a thorough breakdown of ‘Never Events’ over the eight-month duration.
It not only outlines the total number of incidents but sheds light on the trusts that encountered ‘Never Events’ during this time frame.
The chart above shows the Never Events data from 1st April – 30th November 2023.
In this period, there was a total of 247 never events. Of course, any recording of ‘Never Events’ is a bad thing as they are never meant to happen. It is concerning that 247 incidents occurred in an 8-month period.
In the Never Events Data Report from the NHS, it is specified that Never Events are serious, largely preventable patient safety incidents that should not occur if healthcare providers have implemented existing national guidance or safety recommendations.
This shows a clear issue with healthcare providers not ensuring that safety measures and correct procedures are in place.
To show how preventable wrong-site surgery is we have found a table of causes for wrong-site surgeries from the National Library of Medicine.
This table was split into system and process factors.
In summary, the increase in ‘Never Events,’ particularly the high occurrence of wrong-site surgeries (131 times), suggests a serious problem that needs attention. Looking at the data from April to November 2023, there were a total of 247 recorded Never ‘Events’ in just eight months.
Delving into the main issue of wrong-site surgeries, we find various reasons behind them.
Some are related to the overall system, like a lack of controls and relying only on the surgeon.
Others are about the specific steps taken during surgery, such as miscommunication and not marking the correct site.
The main problem seems to be that healthcare providers are not ensuring that safety measures and correct procedures are closely followed.
This primary concern branches into various challenges, from overall controls to communication issues.There are systemic issues, like lack of controls and overreliance on the surgeon, as well as procedural factors, such as miscommunication and failure to mark the correct surgical site.
Tackling these underlying issues is crucial to improving patient safety and preventing the reoccurrence of ‘Never Events.’
Adding to this, the NHS is already dealing with challenges like funding, overwork, and understaffing. These problems not only impact overall patient care but also make it harder to avoid mistakes, like those in test results, and lead to longer waiting times for appointments and surgeries.
To tackle these ‘Never Events,’ we need to make changes in both how healthcare systems work and how we deal with the broader challenges the NHS faces. This way, we can make sure patients are safer, and ‘Never Events’ truly become events that never happen.
UKEM Updates
Last Wednesday, our MD Alex Seymour and Head of Clinical Negligence and Serious Injury Alex Pett represented UKEM at The Brain Injury Group’s Cerebral Palsy Conference.
Alex Pett told us:
“On behalf of UKExpertMedical, we would like to thank Brain Injury Group once more for such an excellent conference last week. It was a pleasure to be exhibiting on the day, and to be a part of a fantastic cause.
Thank you to everyone who was kind enough to see us on our stand, both familiar faces and new! It was great to see and speak with everyone, and it’s safe to say we’re already looking forward to the next event!”
New Staff Members
This month we introduced 4 new starters to the UKEM team!
Allow us to introduce Jade, our newest file handler in our medical negligence department here at UKEM.
Over at our office in Lincoln, we have 3 new starters!
– Danielle who has joined us as a Team Manager.
– Jasmine who has joined our team as a Medical Records Analyst.
– Kirsty who has joined us as a Medical Records Nurse Analyst.
We’re delighted to have them with us here at UKEM, and as always, we wish our new starters the best of luck and we look forward to seeing their growth in their new roles.
Over 10,000 sue the MOD for Hearing Loss, Billions in Compensation at Stake
(26th January 2024) Read more
Alarming Trends in NHS Hospitals: Wrong-Site Surgery Tops List of ‘Never Events’
(19th January 2024) Read more
Woman Awarded £7000 in Compensation After Suffering From Dental Decay Misdiagnosis
(12th January 2024) Read more
NHS Pays Out £800m in Damages Over Babies Suffering Brain Damage During Birth
(5th January 2024) Read more
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We extend our sincere gratitude for the continued support and valuable feedback we have received throughout the year.
