NHS Resolution, the organisation that handles claims against the NHS, has recently published three reports which highlight clinical issues in A&E departments, which contribute to claims being pursued. The reports also discuss how claims can provide learning for clinicians so that safety and patient experience can be enhanced. Claim numbers for A&E departments are reported to be higher than any other clinical specialty.

The reports examined 220 cases where liability had been established. The cases concern incidents that occurred between 2014 and 2018.

The first report focused on high value fatal claims over with compensation over 1 million; the second report focused on missed fractures; and the third report evaluated hospital-acquired pressure ulcers and falls in the emergency department. The main finding was that A&E departments need to diagnose patients in a timely manner and provide a treatment plan for all patients. All three reports also set out clear recommendations about how similar incidents can be prevented in future.

It is reported that the number of claims is relatively small compared with the number of people who attend the emergency department each year, however, attendances are increasing year on year and patients have been seen to have more complex needs.

The reports highlighted the following areas as key for improving performance:

• Access to senior staff review, with appropriate use of multidisciplinary teams working between specialties.
• Systems in place for prompt clinical imaging.
• Infrastructure for appropriate escalation and handover of clinical details to senior clinical staff and specialist clinicians respectively.
• Identification and proportionate clinical strategy regarding patients who regularly attend ED; and
• The benefits of digital solutions to support timely and appropriate clinical decisions for patients.

Dr Katherine Henderson, President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said ‘The Royal College of Emergency Medicine welcomes these reports as learning opportunities to reduce the tragedy of preventable harm to individuals and their families as well as the staff involved.’

Rachel Hollis, Chair of Royal College of Nursing’s Professional Nursing Committee, said ‘This set of reports is a valuable source of learning for health and care services, and for nursing, beyond the front door, as the themes identified here resonate more widely.’

It is hoped that lessons can be learnt so that patient safety and experience is enhanced in emergency departments.

We at Moosa-Duke Solicitors welcome changes to improve patient safety. We are specialists in clinical negligence. If you have concerns about the care that you or a family member has received, please do not hesitate to contact us on 0116 254 7456, for a no-obligation consultation.