Incident reporting policy - Homerton University Hospital

1.0 Version ControlVersion Date Author Reason RatificationRequired1.2 Sept 2008 David Bridger, Head ofYesGovernanceGloria Ophar-George, DatixOfficerAnnette Anderson, ActingClinical Risk Manager1.3 Nov 2009 Reviewed and updated byNicola Havutcu, InterimClinical Risk Manager andDavid Bridger, Head ofGovernanceTo reflect currentorganisation structureand functionto ensure compliancewith NHSLA and CQCregistration requirementsYes2.0 SummaryTo demonstrate that the Trust has approved documentation which describes the process for managing therisks associated with the reporting of all internally and externally reportable incidents.To provide comprehensive guidance to all Trust staff for the reporting and management of all adverseevents and near misses. The Trust aims to take an integrated approach to learning from all incidents inorder to improve and assure its services, whether clinical or non-clinical. It recognises that such learningcan only take place in a non-threatening environment and that fear of disciplinary or legal action may deterstaff from reporting an incident.3.0 Introduction and Policy Statement3.1 In accordance with national guidance and legislation, the Trust is required to record all adverse events andnear misses whether they are major / minor, clinical/non-clinical, affecting one or more persons, related topatients, staff, student, contractors or visitors to trust premises; involving equipment, buildings or property.Incidents may be observed and reported by staff, patients or the general public.3.2 Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is committed to providing, as far as is reasonablypracticable, an environment that is free from risk to the health, safety and welfare of patients, staff andvisitors to the Trust.In order to minimise risk the Trust has adopted this policy which, together with its associated policies andprocedures, is intended to ensure that:• All adverse events or „near misses‟ which occur on Trust premise or in the course of employees dutiesare recorded.• All adverse events or „near misses‟ are investigated at an appropriate level to identify the root cause ofthe event.• Action is taken to prevent or reduce the risk of recurrence.• A prompt and accurate report of adverse events and „near misses‟ is where appropriate made to theappropriate external agency,• Counselling and support is offered to families, carers and staff involved in an incident3.3 The philosophy of incident reporting and investigation is not to apportion blame, but to use the informationgained to help the Trust to improve working practices and the environment, so as to improve themanagement of risk throughout the Trust.3.4 The prompt and accurate reporting of incidents is also essential so that the Trust may support its staff todeal with the incident itself and with any subsequent developments such as legal action.3.5 The initial recording and investigation of these incidents will follow the process outlined in this policy. Thelevel of internal investigation will be determined by the incident severity.3.6 Some more serious incidents with wider implications are to be reported to various outside agencies,appropriate Senior Managers and the Risk Management Department will make such reports according tothe processes detailed in this document.3.7 All staff work to provide a high standard of patient care to the best of their ability and within availablePage 3 of 47