Simulation helps NHS prepare during coronavirus pandemic

  • By: Communications team
  • Posted on: 17 Apr 2020

Simulation is when a clinical scenario or healthcare process is modelled for the purpose of teaching or understanding system challenges associated with providing a healthcare service. This article collates some of the simulation resources available that are relevant to the current situation, which NHS clinicians may find useful.

DHSC publishes HSIB East Kent Hospitals maternity summary report

  • By: Communications team
  • Posted on: 7 Apr 2020

In January 2020 we were asked by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to provide a summary report of all the investigations we had undertaken, up to that point, with East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust (EKHUFT). This was due to the rising concerns around the care provided by EKHUFT’s maternity services at William Harvey Hospital in Ashford and the Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital in Margate.

HSIB changes maternity investigation procedure, and halts national investigations and report publication

  • By: Communications team
  • Posted on: 6 Apr 2020

As a result of the current coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, we are changing the way we approach maternity and national investigations to minimise the impact it has on trusts.

HSIB investigators to stop visiting trusts to help reduce spread of coronavirus

  • By: Communications team
  • Posted on: 16 Mar 2020

Due to the outbreak of the coronavirus (Covid-19), we have decided to stop face to face meetings at healthcare providers until further notice. We will review our approach regularly to support colleagues at the frontline of healthcare services.

New report highlights the ‘devastating impact’ of missed ectopic pregnancy

  • By: Communications team
  • Posted on: 5 Mar 2020

Our national investigation into the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy found that differing levels of provision and a mismatch between capacity and demand in early pregnancy units (EPUs) heightens the risk that the diagnosis of this time-critical condition is delayed or missed.

Influential health equality advocate Patrick Vernon OBE joins HSIB

  • By: Communications team
  • Posted on: 21 Feb 2020

Patrick Vernon OBE has joined HSIB to help establish and lead our Citizens’ Partnership. He has a strong track record as a health equality advocate and an impressive career to date that spans health and social care, cultural historian, social commentator, film maker, speaker and political activist.

Report highlights ‘toxic’ risk of beta blocker to prevent overdose deaths

  • By: Communications team
  • Posted on: 6 Feb 2020

The toxicity of a commonly prescribed beta blocker needs better recognition across the NHS to prevent deaths from overdose, our new report warns. The report focuses on propranolol, a drug that is highly toxic when taken in large quantities. Patients deteriorate quickly, making it difficult to treat.

Earlier recognition of aortic dissection needed to prevent deaths

  • By: Communications team
  • Posted on: 23 Jan 2020

Up to half of all patients who suffer an acute aortic dissection may die before reaching crucial specialist care, according to our new report. The report highlights the difficulty which can face hospital staff in recognising acute aortic dissection. As a result, two safety recommendations have been made.

Latest HSIB report highlights ‘devastating’ impact of delays and pressure on national glaucoma services

  • By: Communications team
  • Posted on: 9 Jan 2020

Our new report warns that delays to follow-up appointments for glaucoma patients leaves them at risk of sight loss. The report highlights the case of a 34-year old woman who lost her sight as a result of 13 months of delays to follow-up appointments.

New national investigation looks at implementation of safety improvements for the placement of NG tubes

  • By: Communications team
  • Posted on: 7 Jan 2020

We started this investigation after we were notified of a patient who inadvertently had a nasogastric (NG) tube inserted into his lung.