Through the Trust’s strategy ‘Together We Care 2022-2025’ we are committed to instilling a culture of safety and learning from patient safety incidents to reduce harm and improve patient experience.
To support us in achieving this, the Trust will be transitioning to the NHS Patient Safety Incident Response Framework throughout 2024.
Patient Safety Incident Framework (PSIRF)
PSIRF represents a significant change in the way NHS Trusts respond to patient safety incidents and is a key part of the NHS Patient Safety Strategy.
PSIRF is replacing the Serious Incident Framework (2015).
PSIRF support s the development and maintenance of an effective patient safety incident response system, with four key integrated aims;
- Compassionate engagement and involvement of those affected by patient safety incidents
- Application of a range of system-based approached to learning from patient safety incidents
- Considered and proportionate responses to patient safety incidents
- Supportive oversight focused on strengthening response system functioning and improvement
The Trust’s Patient Safety Incident Response Plan outlines our safety priorities and planned responses to patient safety incidents for 2024-2026.
Further information can be found about PSIRF on the NHS England website.
Martha's Rule
Ashford and St Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has introduced Martha's Rule, a national NHS patient safety initiative that gives patients, their families, carers and staff another way to raise concerns if they believe an inpatient's condition is getting worse.
Martha's Rule provides access to an urgent clinical review when concerns about a patient's deterioration have not been fully addressed after speaking with the clinical team caring for them. The initiative is designed to strengthen patient safety by ensuring concerns are listened to, assessed promptly and acted upon where appropriate.
- Visit our Martha's Rule section for more details.
