In a recent report released by NHS England, concerning findings have surfaced regarding the occurrence of ‘never events’ across several hospital trusts in the ITV Tyne Tees region. These serious and entirely preventable medical errors are termed ‘never events’ because they are incidents that should never happen in the realm of healthcare.
The data, covering the period from April 1, 2023, to January 31, 2024, points to a concerning trend. Among the trusts surveyed, the Newcastle Upon Tyne NHS Foundation Trust reported one of the highest numbers of ‘never events’ in England, with a total of nine incidents recorded during this time frame. Other trusts in the region, including South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, also reported notable occurrences of such events, with three incidents each.
These ‘never events’ encompass a range of alarming scenarios, from medical instruments or swabs being inadvertently left inside patients following procedures to instances where medication is administered via incorrect methods. While the report provides statistics on the frequency of these incidents, it does not delve into specific details regarding each case.
NHS England emphasizes that ‘never events’ serve as red flags, signalling potential shortcomings in an organization’s systems for implementing safety protocols or heeding alerts. Importantly, the categorization of these events is not about assigning blame but rather about learning from mistakes to prevent their recurrence.
Paul Whiteing, Chief Executive of the charity Action Against Medical Accidents, underscores the significance of categorizing ‘never events’ to acknowledge their impact on patients, both physically and psychologically. He stresses the importance for trusts, especially those with high incident rates like Newcastle, to transparently address the root causes of such occurrences and outline steps for improvement to rebuild public trust in hospital safety.
Responding to the concerning figures, Newcastle Hospitals affirmed that patient safety remains their top priority. They expressed remorse for the incidents and assured ongoing efforts to support staff in reporting incidents, conducting thorough investigations, and implementing measures to enhance the quality and safety of clinical care.
Similarly, South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust echoed their commitment to patient safety and continuous improvement. They emphasized the significance of engaging with patients, families, and colleagues in the aftermath of ‘never events’ to facilitate meaningful learning and prevent future occurrences.
These revelations underscore the critical need for transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement within healthcare systems. As patients entrust their well-being to these institutions, it is imperative that hospitals prioritize safety, foster a culture of openness, and actively learn from past mistakes to ensure that ‘never events’ truly become events of the past.