The national framework ensures your involvement in adverse events reviews. This is the case if the event affects:
- you
- your family
- someone in your care
- NHS staff
Your involvement
In the event of an adverse event, you will be told what went wrong and why. If you or a family member are affected, you will receive an apology for any harm that has occurred. Reviews of events happen frequently and quickly following their occurrence but can take some time.
You can find out more on the review process by watching this video on the NHS Scotland TURAS platform.
Reporting, reviewing and learning
Health boards should have a management system in place for all types of adverse events. This process includes:
- reporting
- reviewing
- learning
Adverse event reviews are not about apportioning blame. A review determines whether there are learning points for organisational improvements. Boards need to implement the improvements identified. This will support a greater level of safety for all people involved in its care systems.
The review process must be transparent. It must also include all those involved in the adverse event. If you wish to be in involved in the review, you should be given the opportunity to ask questions, and share any concerns with the review team.
The timescale for the review, and any delays, should be communicated to you. You should be given the opportunity to review the final report, and to ask any questions you have about it.
Sharing reports
The health board should also share any reports on the event you are involved with.
Boards must share significant adverse event review reports with everyone involved in the event. A one-page learning summary will be published. This is so key learning points can be shared more widely.
Improvement planning and monitoring
The health board will evaluate the effectiveness of adverse events processes. This includes allowing you to provide feedback. You should receive regular updates as the board works to support continuous improvement.
We are unable to investigate individual complaints about NHS boards. If you are not satisfied with the response from your health board, you can escalate your complaint to the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman. They may agree to investigate on your behalf.