NHS Lanarkshire has a duty to record and learn from adverse events.

And now a new documentation toolkit and pathway have been developed to help staff who are involved in the reviews of the most serious (Category 1) events.

Gillian Airns, project manager for adverse events, said: “The way in which we record and categorise adverse events has changed over the years and as a result we have seen inconsistences in how they have been reported.

“We have developed this guidance to help staff navigate the process and make sure they provide all the necessary information to decide what the next steps should be – including whether or not a Significant Adverse Event Review needs to be completed.”

“This makes the process easier for staff and ensures we have consistent recording and processes across the organisation.”

Work is already underway to raise awareness of the toolkit with staff who are responsible for recording adverse incidents in the hospitals and north and south social care partnerships.

Gillian added: “Any member of staff could be involved in an adverse event at any time so it is important to know what to do and how to make sure these are recorded accurately. Hopefully this toolkit makes the process easier for everyone and will make it much easier to share the information across the organisation. This means we can learn and improve our practice to avoid similar incidents happening in the future”.

Full details of these and other relevant information can be found on the web page via FirstPort – Adverse Events

Any questions regarding the process should be directed to Gillian on 01698 858099 or email gillian.airns@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk