Clinical Negligence Claims in Emergency Departments
Emergency Departments in England provide a high-quality service to patients under challenging circumstances. It is understanding how claims can provide unique learning to enhance safety and patient experience further which the three reports aim to deliver.
Each report contains clear recommendations to help prevent further incidents. One of the main findings across all the reports is that ED clinical services should provide timely identification of diagnoses and treatment plans for patients. This should include what to look out for and actions that should be taken if the patient deteriorates. Good record-keeping and communication to support handover and ‘safety netting’ for patients– where they are followed up in a timely and appropriate manner– underpins the delivery of timely diagnoses and the delivery of effective treatment plans.
Three thematic reviews
In total, NHSR examined 220 cases where the incidents occurred between 2014 and 2018 and a legal liability was established.
- The first report looks at high-value and fatality-related claims over £1m;
- The second report assesses missed fractures; and
- The third report evaluates hospital-acquired pressure ulcers and falls in ED.
