New qualification launched for investigating serious incidents in healthcare

A national review by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has found that the NHS is missing opportunities to learn from patient deaths and that specialised training and support is not universally provided to staff completing investigations.

Serious incidents are where the potential for learning is so great, or the consequences to patients, families and carers, staff or organisations are so significant, that they warrant using additional resources for a comprehensive response.

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and SFJ Awards have launched a new Level 5 Qualification to ensure staff recognise and develop the knowledge and skills required for intevestigating serious incidents in healthcare care. 

The new qualification is aimed at staff who are involved in investigating serious incidents in healthcare. This collaborative development has also involved input from a range of providers, including; Leeds Community Healthcare trust, Hull & East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust.

The new qualification addresses the following subject areas:

  • the principles of investigating serious incidents
  • the initial review of an incident
  • investigating a serious incident
  • investigative questioning and interviews
  • completing an investigation

The subject areas are underpinned by a training programme that is intended to bring consistency to investigative practices.

Email [email protected] or call 0117 910 2286 to find out more.

Picture (c) Peter Byrne / PA Wire.