Introduction
Coast Medic Ambulance is committed to providing the highest standard of care to all patients. This policy outlines our commitment to preventing never events, as defined by the NHS Never Events framework and in compliance with Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulations. Never events are serious, largely preventable patient safety incidents that should not occur if the available preventative measures have been implemented.
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to:
- Define never events in the context of Coast Medic Ambulance.
- Outline the procedures for preventing never events.
- Establish protocols for responding to and reporting never events.
- Ensure compliance with the NHS Never Events framework and CQC regulations.
Definitions
Never Events:
Serious incidents that are wholly preventable and should not occur if the proper preventive measures are in place. Examples include wrong-site surgery, retained foreign objects post-procedure, and medication administration errors.
Policy
Prevention of Never Events
Coast Medic Ambulance will take all necessary steps to prevent never events through the following measures:
Training and Education:
All staff will receive regular training on the prevention of never events, including adherence to clinical guidelines and safety protocols.
Clinical Protocols:
Implementation and regular review of clinical protocols to ensure they reflect best practices and current guidelines.
Checklists:
Utilization of standardized checklists for all procedures to minimize the risk of human error.
Communication:
Effective communication strategies among the team to ensure clarity and understanding of roles and responsibilities.
Equipment Maintenance:
Regular maintenance and checks of all medical equipment to ensure it is functioning correctly and safely.
Reporting and Responding to Never Events
In the event that a never event occurs, the following steps will be taken:
Immediate Response:
Ensure the immediate safety and care of the patient involved. Provide necessary medical attention and support.
Reporting:
All never events must be reported immediately to the designated patient safety officer. An incident report must be completed within 24 hours using the Salus Cloud portal.
Investigation:
A thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the root cause of the never event. This investigation will be led by the Chief Executive and involve relevant clinical and operational staff.
Learning and Improvement:
Findings from the investigation will be used to develop action plans to prevent recurrence. These plans will be shared with all staff and integrated into training and operational procedures.
Communication with Patients and Families:
Open and honest communication with the patient and their family about the incident, its causes, and the steps taken to prevent future occurrences.
Compliance with NHS Never Events Framework and CQC Regulations
Coast Medic Ambulance is committed to full compliance with the NHS Never Events framework and CQC regulations by:
- Regularly reviewing and updating policies and procedures in line with the latest guidelines and best practices.
- Engaging with external audits and reviews to ensure adherence to safety standards.
- Implementing recommendations from regulatory bodies and incorporating them into operational practices.
- Reporting never events to the CQC and NHS as required, and participating in any mandated reviews or actions.
Monitoring and Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or following any never event to ensure it remains up-to-date and effective. Any changes in the NHS Never Events framework or CQC regulations will be incorporated promptly.
Accountability
All staff are responsible for adhering to this policy and for reporting any incidents or concerns. The senior management team is accountable for ensuring the implementation and effectiveness of this policy.
References
NHS England. (2021). [Never Events Policy and Framework](https://www.england.nhs.uk/patient-safety/never-events/).
Care Quality Commission. (2021). [Regulations for service providers and managers](https://www.cqc.org.uk/guidance-providers/regulations-enforcement/regulations-service-providers-managers).
This policy affirms Coast Medic Ambulance’s dedication to patient safety and the highest standards of care, ensuring that never events are prevented, responded to, and learned from effectively.