Patient safety

Wrong selection of orthopaedic fracture fixation plates

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) […]

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Risk of harm from inappropriate placement of pulse oximeter probes

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 […]

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Safer temporary identification criteria for unknown or unidentified patients

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 […]

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Management of life threatening bleeds from arteriovenous fistulae and grafts

A resource Patient Safety Alert has been issued to support the management of life threatening bleeds from arteriovenous fistulae and grafts. Patient Safety Alert – Life threatening bleeds from arteriovenous fistulae and grafts Haemodialysis removes the waste products and extra fluid that build up in the blood of those whose kidneys no longer function properly and relies […]

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