Press releases
Our latest reports and key press coverage.
Our latest publications, with links to download the full report including safety recommendations, the associated press release and key press coverage.
For more information about our journey to become an independent non-departmental public body see the HSSIB Bill page.
For past publications see the press office archive.
Early warning scores to detect deterioration in Covid-19 inpatients
National intelligence report published 30 July 2020.
The Royal College of Physicians is responsible for the development of early warning scores for clinical deterioration and this report documents how concerns raised by HSIB were responded to.
Press release and report
National intelligence report: Early warning scores to detect deterioration in Covid-19 inpatients
Severe brain injury, early neonatal death and intrapartum stillbirth associated with group B streptococcus infection
National learning report published 16 July 2020.
Delay or failure to give preventative antibiotics to mothers can leave newborn babies at risk of death or severe injury from group B strep infection.
Press release and report
National learning report: group B streptococcus
The diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy
National investigation report published 5 March 2020.
Differing levels of provision and a mismatch between capacity and demand in early pregnancy units heightens the risk that the diagnosis of this time-critical condition is delayed or missed.
Press release and report
Press release: safety body highlights ‘devastating impact’ of missed ectopic pregnancy (PDF)
Final report: the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy
Press coverage
Late diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy 'putting women at risk' The Guardian, 5 March 2020.
Women are at serious risk of harm from late diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy The BMJ, 5 March 2020 (this article is behind a paywall).
Safety body highlights `devastating impact' of missed ectopic pregnancy Nursing Times, 4 March 2020.
Potential under-recognised risk of harm from the use of propranolol
National investigation report published 6 February 2020.
There has been a steady rise in the number of propranolol prescriptions issued to NHS patients. In 2017, 52 deaths were recorded as linked to propranolol overdose.
Press release and report
Press release: report highlights ‘toxic’ risk of beta blocker to prevent overdose deaths (PDF)
Final report: potential under-recognised risk of harm from the use of propranolol
Press coverage
Doctors and paramedics must be better prepared to deal with propranolol overdoses The BMJ, 11 February 2020 (this article is behind a paywall).
GPs need to be alerted to beta blocker overdose risk, says NHS safety watchdog Pulse, 6 February 2020.
‘Toxic’ risk of commonly prescribed beta blocker needs recognition Pharma Field, 6 February 2020.
Delayed recognition of acute aortic dissection
National investigation report published 23 January 2020.
Up to half of all patients who suffer an acute aortic dissection may die before reaching crucial specialist care. Our investigation identifies a number of risks in the diagnostic process which might result in the condition being missed.
Press release and report
Press release: safety body calls for earlier recognition of aortic dissection to prevent deaths (PDF)
Final report: delayed recognition of acute aortic dissection
Press coverage
Safety body calls for earlier A&E recognition of aortic dissection Nursing Times, 29 January 2020.
Acute aortic dissection is a ‘ticking time bomb’ Pharma Field, 23 January 2020.
Half of patients with acute aortic dissection in England die before reaching a specialist centre British Medical Journal, 23 January 2020 (this article is behind a paywall).
Lack of timely monitoring of patients with glaucoma
National investigation report published 9 January 2020.
Lack of timely follow-up for glaucoma patients is a recognised national issue across the NHS. Research suggests that around 22 patients a month suffer severe or permanent sight loss as a result of the delays.
Press release and report
Final report: lack of timely monitoring of patients with glaucoma
Press coverage
Delaying an eye test for glaucoma might lead to irreparable damage The Times, 13 January 2020 (this article is behind a paywall).
NHS delays responsible for glaucoma patients going blind, says watchdog Independent, 9 January 2020.
Glaucoma patients going blind due to treatment delays, watchdog finds The Guardian, 9 January 2020.
NHS patients are being left to go BLIND because of year-long delays in getting appointments for glaucoma and other vision-robbing conditions, damning report warns Mail Online, 9 January 2020.
Past publications
For past publications see the press office archive.