The Queen’s speech today, 19 December 2019, confirmed that a Bill is to be introduced to provide a statutory framework for the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch (HSIB). This was confirmed in a briefing note published by the Government.
The HSIB, established in 2017, aims to improve safety through effective and independent investigations that don't apportion blame or liability.
Commenting on the Bill, Dr Rob Hendry, Medical Director at Medical Protection, said:
“We need to create appropriate ‘safe spaces’ for healthcare professionals if we are to make the shift to an open and learning culture in healthcare, where mistakes can be discussed and learnt from.
“Medical Protection has long called for the Government to give statutory powers to the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch so it can give legal protection to individuals, and their comments, when engaging with an investigation. We hope to see this Bill move through parliament swiftly”.
ENDS
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The Medical Protection Society Limited (“MPS”) is the world’s leading protection organisation for doctors, dentists and healthcare professionals. We protect and support the professional interests of more than 300,000 members around the world. Membership provides access to expert advice and support together with the right to request indemnity for complaints or claims arising from professional practice.
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