Patient safety incidents
A patient safety incident is defined as any unintended or unexpected incident which could have or did lead to harm for one or more patients receiving NHS care. This includes:
- incidents that caused no harm or minimal harm
- incidents with a more serious outcome
- prevented patient safety incidents (known as ‘near misses’).
The number of incidents reported during 2022/23 has been higher than previously seen, due to the systemic pressures within the NHS. The number of serious incidents relating to delays has been significant. The number of reporting incidents has improved and this demonstrates a good culture of reporting and being open and honest. Where a near miss has occurred proactive steps can be taken to reduce the risk going forwards and to maintain a learning from incidents culture.
The chart below shows the number of patient safety incidents reported versus our activity during the year.
All NHS organisations have a responsibility to report any safety incidents relating to patients through the National Reporting and Learning Service (NRLS). EEAST are in the testing phase of implementing Learning from Patient Safety Events (LFPSE) which will supersede NRLS.
The table below shows the latest published data of the number of incidents reported by EEAST vs the national average and the highest and lowest ambulance trust scores.
| Indicator | February 2022 to January 2023 - Latest comparable data published | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EEAST | National average | Highest ambulance Trust count | Lowest ambulance Trust count | |
| Number of reported patient safety incidents that resulted in severe harm or death | 109 | 82 | 183 | 28 |
| Number of patient safety incidents reported within the Trust | 2,711 | 3,176 | 6,790 | 905 |
| Percentage severe harm or death incidents of total | 4.0% | 2.6% | 26.95% | 3.09% |