In November 2009, NHS London announced that delays in the
handover of care of patients at emergency departments that exceed
60 minutes must be reported as a serious untoward incident. Full
details can be found in the emergency
department capacity management and closure policy (PDF,
46KB).
It has been agreed that we do not need to make a joint
declaration and that familiar arrangements in relation to cross
agency liaison will not apply.
We are of course happy to offer assistance and
so can make available copies of the relevant 999 call record, as
well as the assessment record completed by the ambulance staff
involved. However, we would not expect that it will usually be
necessary to provide any additional information.
Ambulance operations managers (AOMs) at the
relevant ambulance station complexes will act as liaison officer
accordingly.
Trusts seeking the information indicated when
declaring a SUI in these circumstances should email us using the
link on the right of this page, clearly highlighting that it
relates to a ‘SUI delay in handover’. You will receive an automated
acknowledgement and subsequently provided with the contact details
of the relevant AOM.
We would, however, very much welcome a copy of
the final report/action plan being made available to us, especially
where this identifies any issues relating to the service or
management we provided so that we may offer comment and share
learning, in line with the principles of good governance.
NHS London has issued frequently
asked questions guidance (PDF, 52KB). If you would like to
discuss any other matters relating to this type of serious untoward
incident, please contact the Patient Safety Team at NHS London on
020 7932 2659 or email Sui@london.nhs.uk