NHS England have launched a consultation on the existing Never Events Framework.
‘Never Events’ is the term used to describe incidents which have the potential to cause serious harm or death to patients but which are completely preventable as long as national guidance or safety recommendations are adhered to.
The current Never Events framework is designed to drive patient safety improvement, but the consultation is being held to determine whether it remains an effective mechanism.
Never Events framework not strong enough
The guidance and recommendations are supposed to “provide strong systemic protective barriers” and be “implemented by all healthcare providers,” but recent reports from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the Health Services Safety Investigations Body (HSSIB) found that the barriers are not strong enough to make an incident wholly preventable for some kinds of Never Event.
These findings were upheld by further focus groups held by the NHS England National Patient Safety Team throughout 2021-22.
In addition to seeking views on the effectiveness of the Never Events Framework, NHS England also wants to determine a preferred option for its future.
The consultation will remain open for submissions until 5th May 2024.
After the consultation closes, NHS England will review all responses and plans to engage further with stakeholders, including patient representatives, on the next steps.
Training to keep people safe
First Response Training (FRT) is a leading, national training provider.
They deliver over 7,000 courses each year in the fields of health and safety, first aid, fire safety, food safety, mental health, health and social care and other special focus topics.
Their diverse portfolio includes training awards specially designed for care workers, such as Infection Control and Prevention, Safeguarding Adults, Duty of Care, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Person Centred Care and Support and many others.
Their course portfolio spans Care Certificate standards, mandatory training awards, clinical skills, special focus courses and higher level training for supervisors and managers.
A Trainer at FRT, says:
“Health and social care workers are dedicated to providing safe, compassionate and dignified care which meets national standards and they work hard every day to ensure that patients and people receiving care are safe from harm and supported to live well.
“They want and need support to do this, to ensure that people are safe from avoidable harm and that ‘never events’ do not occur.
“We hope that a review of the framework can help support them effectively, and we urge all those working in healthcare environments to respond to the consultation so that their voices can be heard.”
For more information on the training provided by FRT, please call them on freephone 0800 310 2300 or send an e-mail to info@firstresponsetraining.com.