The Care Quality Commission (CQC) have reported in their article ‘Learning, candour and accountability’ that “last year 495,309 deaths were registered in England”. Of these, 232,442 (47%) people died in hospital, with even more dying while receiving services provided by NHS trusts as an outpatient or from community services provided by a hospital trust.

The CQC reports that whilst investigations are carried out as a result of negligent deaths, it is not clear how in depth the investigations are. Many people who receive substandard treatment whilst in hospital want policies to be put in place to ensure that the same thing does not happen to anyone else.

The CQC carried out a review of the steps taken after a death of a patient. It was reported that they “were unable to identify any Trust that could demonstrate good practice across all aspects of identifying, reviewing and investigating deaths and ensuring that learning is implemented.”

The article also stated that “learning from deaths is not being given enough consideration in the NHS and opportunities to improve care for future patients are being missed”.

Moosa-Duke Solicitors believe it is imperative that these opportunities are not missed and that extra care should be taken by NHS staff to learn from patient deaths and ensure that steps are taken to prevent the same happening again.

The CQC also reported that “families and carers told us they often have a poor experience of investigations and are not consistently treated with respect and sensitivity and honesty”.

Moosa-Duke Solicitors has many years’ experience of representing families whose loved ones have suffered as the result of substandard NHS care. If you or a loved one has suffered as a result of poor care from a medical professional, please contact us on 0116 254 7456 for a no obligation conversation.