1 Introduction
Coast Medic Ambulance is committed to providing high-quality care and ensuring the safety of its patients and staff. As part of this commitment, we adhere to the statutory obligations under the Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulations and the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR). This policy outlines the procedures for reporting notifiable incidents to the CQC.
2 Scope
This policy applies to all staff, including permanent, temporary, and contracted personnel, involved in the delivery of services at Coast Medic Ambulance.
3 Legal Framework
This policy is guided by the following regulations:
- CQC Regulations: Specifically, Regulation 18 of the Care Quality Commission (Registration) Regulations 2009, which mandates the notification of certain incidents to the CQC.
- RIDDOR: The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013, which require the reporting of specific work-related accidents, diseases, and dangerous occurrences to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
4 Definitions
Notifiable Incidents: Incidents that must be reported to the CQC under Regulation 18, including serious injuries, deaths, abuse or allegations of abuse, and incidents that affect the service\\\’s ability to meet the regulations.
Serious Injuries: As defined by the CQC, these include fractures (other than to fingers, thumbs, and toes), serious burns, and any injury that leads to permanent or long-term damage.
Dangerous Occurrences: Specific incidents listed under RIDDOR, such as equipment failures or accidents that could have led to serious injury or death.
5 Reporting Procedures
5.1 Immediate Actions
- Ensure Safety: The immediate priority is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of patients, staff, and the public.
- Provide First Aid: Administer first aid or arrange for medical treatment if necessary.
- Secure the Scene: Preserve the scene of the incident for investigation unless it poses additional risks.
5.2 Internal Reporting
Notification to Management: The staff member involved or first aware of the incident must immediately inform their line manager using the crew line.
Incident Report Form: Complete the Coast Medic Ambulance Incident Report Form on Salus Cloud with detailed information about the incident.
5.3 External Reporting
CQC Notification: The Registered Manager or their designate must report notifiable incidents to the CQC without delay. This can be done through the CQC\\\’s online notification system or by other means as specified by the CQC.
RIDDOR Reporting: If the incident meets RIDDOR criteria, it must be reported to the HSE. This is the responsibility of the Health and Safety Officer or designated personnel.
6 Documentation and Record Keeping
Incident Log: Maintain a log of all reported incidents, including those not meeting the notifiable criteria, for internal monitoring and review. This should be completed on Salus Cloud.
Investigation Records: Document all investigations related to the incidents, including findings, actions taken, and lessons learned.
Confidentiality: Ensure all records are kept confidential and stored securely, in compliance with data protection regulations.
7 Review and Analysis
Incident Review Committee: Establish a committee to review incidents regularly, identify trends, and recommend improvements.
Annual Report: Prepare an annual report summarizing notifiable incidents, actions taken, and changes implemented to enhance safety and compliance.
8 Training and Awareness
Staff Training: Provide regular training on incident reporting procedures, CQC regulations, and RIDDOR requirements.
Awareness Campaigns: Conduct periodic awareness campaigns to reinforce the importance of reporting and compliance.
9 Compliance and Monitoring
Audits: Conduct regular audits to ensure adherence to this policy and regulatory requirements.
Feedback Mechanism: Establish a system for staff to provide feedback on the incident reporting process and suggest improvements.
10 Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or following any significant changes in legislation or operational practices.