Story Highlight
- Health Bill completed Commons stages with disappointing patient safety changes.
- Government moved HSSIB to CQC, causing conflict of interest concerns.
- Maternal mortality rate increased by 20 percent since 2009-11.
- Northern Care Alliance received warning for significant patient safety concerns.
- AI scribes introduced errors in medical records, affecting patient safety.
Full Story
The latest Patient Safety Watch newsletter, issued by Jeremy, highlights significant developments within the NHS and Parliament since the summer. The Health Bill has recently completed its Commons stages, generating disappointment over limited advancements in patient safety. While the legislation introduces positive elements, such as a single patient record, it also raises concerns, particularly the decision to transfer the Health Services Safety Investigations Body to the Care Quality Commission. Jeremy expressed that this move could create a conflict of interest, making NHS staff reluctant to report failures due to potential repercussions. He called for improvements, including tracking patient safety recommendations and restoring the GP list system.
In a separate issue, Shaun Lintern’s report in the Sunday Times revealed that NHS England is restricting national clinical audits. The limitations imposed on recommendations and communication with the press have drawn criticism, including comments from Marian Knight, who leads maternal and baby death investigations. She noted the negative impact of these restrictions on key recommendations related to midwifery education.
The Prime Minister has acknowledged “structural difficulties” facing NHS maternity services, particularly in light of North Devon District Hospital’s suspension of births due to staffing shortages. Concerns remain, as the maternal mortality rate has increased by 20 per cent from 2009 to 2011. The latest MBRRACE-UK report indicated that between 2022 and 2024, 252 women died during pregnancy or shortly after, demonstrating persistent inequalities in care quality.
In addition to these challenges, the Health Services Safety Investigations Body has urged NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care to evaluate the expanding “advice and guidance” system for patient safety before further rollout, warning of potential risks in diagnosis and care delivery.
Meanwhile, the Northern Care Alliance Foundation Trust received another section 29A warning notice from the CQC, following inspections revealing significant concerns regarding various aspects of patient safety and staff wellbeing. Whistleblower allegations have surfaced regarding unsafe theatre staffing and inadequate support for nurses.
Healthwatch England has raised alarms concerning the rapid introduction of AI “scribes,” which have been found to introduce errors into medical records. Instances of missed diagnoses have occurred, highlighting the necessity for trust in new technologies to be managed effectively.
On a positive note, Baby Lifeline has launched a new course focused on implementing Martha’s Rule in maternity services, aimed at improving the listening and escalation processes for women and families. The first online session is scheduled for November 17, 2026.
Jeremy concluded by reminding readers that World Patient Safety Day is approaching on September 17, with this year’s focus on safe care for individuals with noncommunicable diseases. He expressed pride in his previous role in establishing the day and its ongoing relevance in advocating for better care systems.
Source: read the original report.
What this means for your site
While the article discusses important patient safety concerns within the NHS, it highlights systemic issues that resonate within any workplace concerned with safety and health. One critical area for improvement is the need for transparent communication and proactive risk management. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 requires employers to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of employees and others affected by their activities.
Employers could implement a robust system for tracking and addressing safety recommendations to prevent the loss of valuable insights from safety audits and investigations. Regular training on the duty of candour can empower staff to speak up without fear of punitive consequences, thereby fostering a culture of safety and openness. Establishing a clear process for reporting and responding to safety concerns can significantly enhance the work environment and potentially avert future incidents.
