Health and Safety in the health sector

The National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) has recently published its report into patient accidents within the NHS between 12 October 2008 and 31 March 2009. Statistics show that:

• There were over 459,500 reported accidents over a six month period
• 5,700 errors led directly to patient’s death or a serious and permanent injury
• Of those errors, over 25,500 caused a modest injury, which even if recovered from would change the patient’s life for a lengthy period of time and could have permanent consequences.

However, the report has been criticised by those who say it does not give an accurate account of the problem. It would seem that their criticisms are not unfounded considering:

• The reporting procedure is voluntary
• Only a limited number of NHS Trusts take part
• It does not include those errors made in the private health care sector or those arising out of GP advice and care.

Many are calling for a mandatory reporting system, which requires healthcare staff to report all errors to patients and the NPSA. The charity, Action Against Medical Accidents, who promote better patient safety and justice for individuals who have been affected by a medical accident, have been lobbying for such a change. They say that without a coherent, mandatory system where all accidents are reported they cannot learn the necessary lessons to ensure that the system is improved.