With this information patients can now get a clearer understanding of the care provided at over 287 independent hospitals and NHS Private Patient Units offering acute private treatments, who between them account for an estimated 86% of privately funded admitted patient care.
The data, covering the period 1 January 2019 to the 31 December 2019, show that 21 Never Events involving non-NHS (insured or self-pay) patients were reported. A table of events is listed below:
Type of incident | Number of events |
---|---|
Wrong site surgery |
5
|
Wrong implant/prosthesis |
11
|
Retained foreign object post procedure |
2
|
Mis-selection of a strong potassium solution |
1
|
Administration of medication by the wrong route |
2
|
This adds to the wealth of information already published about serious incidents involving NHS patients, which is routinely collected and published when they receive NHS funded care in a NHS or independent hospital. To assist public bodies, researchers, clinicians and hospitals better understand and analyse services to private patients in the UK, PHIN has also published a downloadable version of this dataset. [1]
Dr Andrew Vallance-Owen, Chair of PHIN, said:
Never Events have to be reported so that lessons are learnt and actions taken to ensure they cannot happen again. This means that the reporting, investigation and learning is a powerful safety ‘call to action' in itself and should always lead to an improvement in processes and quality of care as a result.
We hope publication of this information will stimulate that process of continuous improvement.”
To help patients and people considering which healthcare provider is right for them, PHIN has produced a short guide and explainer video. [2]
The publication of this information follows a 2014 investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), which found there was a lack of information about quality, safety and price for patients considering private treatment in the UK. [3]
Notes to editors:
[1] The downloadable view of this dataset, along with explanations and methods, is available here.
[2] PHIN has produced a guide and short video which explains Never Events for patients visiting PHIN’s website. This is available here.
[3] The Private Healthcare Market Investigation Order (as amended) can be read here.