JOHN SANDHAM CENG FIHEEM MIET explains why it is important to consider the questions raised relating to technology, learning, and relevant policies and processes.
Where learning does not happen and knowledge is not shared, the lack of organisational learning may manifest itself as ignorance and risk. This became apparent at the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Public Inquiry (Francis, 2013) which subsequently led to the HSE charging Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust under Section 31 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. This states that ‘every employer has a duty to conduct his undertaking in such a way as to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that persons not in his employment who may be affected by the conduct of his undertaking are not as a result exposed to risks to their health and safety.’
The HSE charged Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust following a thorough and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances of four deaths of patients under its care.
Wayne Owen, HSE Principal Inspector in the West Midlands, said: “We have concluded our investigation into the death of four patients at Stafford Hospital and have decided there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest to bring criminal proceedings in this case. There are four separate charges, each alleging a breach under Section 31 of the Health and Safety at Work Act.”
Log in or register FREE to read the rest
This story is Premium Content and is only available to registered users. Please log in at the top of the page to view the full text.
If you don't already have an account, please register with us completely free of charge.
