A National Patient Safety Alert has been issued around the risk of ingesting superabsorbent polymer gel granules. National Patient Safety Alert – Superabsorbent polymer gel granules (2019) About this alert Superabsorbent polymer gel granules are used to reduce spillage onto bedding and clothing when patients use urine bottles or vomit bowls, or when staff move […]

A National Patient Safety Alert has been issued around the risk of depleted batteries in intraosseous injectors. National Patient Safety Alert: Depleted batteries in intraosseous injectors The intraosseous (IO) route (that is, through the bone marrow) is used to access the venous system when intravenous access is not possible to administer medicines or fluids, often […]

Top doctors from the NHS and St John Ambulance have teamed up to urge revellers to stay safe during Guy Fawkes Night and Diwali celebrations, as new figures reveal thousands end up in hospital each year due to firework and bonfire injuries. According to figures from NHS Digital, there were almost 2,000 occasions of people […]

The NHS in England is to roll out dedicated support for members of staff who raise the alarm on unsafe practice. Following successful pilots, the NHS will soon offer practical support to any doctor, nurse, or other worker across the country who needs additional support to build their career after raising concerns at work, as […]

A resource Patient Safety Alert has been issued to help organisations ensure any injuries to an accidentally dropped baby are detected and treated as quickly as possible. Patient Safety Alert – Assessment and management of babies who are accidentally dropped in hospital The risks of accidentally dropping a baby are well known, particularly when a parent […]

A directive alert has been jointly issued with the British Orthopaedic Association on the risk of harm from the wrong selection of plates used for fixation of fractures. Patient Safety Alert: Wrong selection of orthopaedic fracture fixation plates A variety of fracture fixation plates are used in orthopaedic surgery including dynamic compression plates (DC plates) […]

Leading figures in health are celebrating ten years of a checklist for surgical teams which has saved countless lives and improved outcomes for patients in England and around the world. The Surgical Safety Checklist is a simple tool designed to improve communication and teamwork by bringing together the surgeons, anaesthesia providers and nurses involved in […]

A warning alert has been issued on the risk of harm from inappropriate placement of pulse oximeter probes. Patient Safety Alert – Risk of harm from inappropriate placement of pulse oximeter probes Measurement of oxygen saturation, using a pulse oximeter probe, is routinely undertaken as part of patients’ vital signs during diagnosis and ongoing monitoring. Oximeter probes […]

Proposals have been revealed today setting out how the NHS will ensure it is the safest healthcare system in the world. The commitment includes a proposal for some of the most important types of avoidable harm to patients to be halved over the next five years in areas such as medication errors and Never Events, […]

A resource Patient Safety Alert has been issued to help organisations ensure a safer system for the temporary identification of unidentified or unknown patients. Patient Safety Alert – Safer temporary identification criteria for unknown or unidentified patients Emergency departments often care for patients unable or unwilling to give their identity including people who are unconscious or […]