Recurring concern
Unreliable communication of patient-care information between clinical staff
First reported 21 Aug 2013•Latest report 27 Feb 2026
What this concern includes
Includes failures to communicate relevant patient care, treatment or risk information between clinical staff responsible for the same patient's care.
Not included
- Formal handover processes where handover itself is the more specific unsafe control
- Communication between separate organisations or agencies governed by a named information-sharing process
- Documentation failures where relevant information was otherwise reliably communicated
- Failure to act after information was reliably communicated
- Reports
- 124
- Individual concerns
- 133
- Date range
- 2013–2026
- Stated actions
- 193
Distinct published reports
A report can raise multiple concerns
First to latest report issue date
Described in published responses
Reports over time
Reports over time
Reports about this concern issued each year.
* 2026 is projected from reports observed to 7 Sep 2026.
Most frequent recipients
Most frequent recipients
Reports about this concern sent to each recipient.
Concerns and responses across reports
Only concerns grouped under this recurring concern are included. Select any concern, action or position to view the source wording.
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Concerns raised1
Failure of liaison between dermatologists and other consultants about Hydroxychloroquine toxicity
This report raised 8 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concernsEach statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
No linked response statementsNo respondent-stated action or position is linked to these concerns in the published data.
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Concerns raised1
Failure to inform the responsible clinician of ward transfers
This report raised 3 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concernsEach statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
No linked response statementsNo respondent-stated action or position is linked to these concerns in the published data.
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Concerns raised1
Failure to involve and record discussions with the primary surgeon before remounting the valve
This report raised 4 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concernsEach statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
No linked response statementsNo respondent-stated action or position is linked to these concerns in the published data.
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Concerns raised1
Lack of a radiology protocol for non-cancerous significant and potentially life-threatening findings
This report raised 2 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concernsEach statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.1
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Position
Existing Guidance and ICE electronic reporting systems are considered sufficient to significantly reduce the risk of similar radiological communication failures and future deaths.
Stated by Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
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Concerns raised1
Poor communication between clinicians and nurses
This report raised 14 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concernsEach statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
No linked response statementsNo respondent-stated action or position is linked to these concerns in the published data.
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Concerns raised1
Lack of a reliable system for delivering histology results to named consultants
Responses linked to these concernsEach statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.2
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Action
Implement Procedure MD23 to mitigate risks from failure to act on diagnostic results.
Stated by Betsi Cadwaladr University LHB -
Action
Develop the CHAI Ping electronic reporting solution to alert requesting clinicians, record action taken, and reduce printing of WCP results.
Stated by Betsi Cadwaladr University LHB
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.1
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Position
Following up and acting on histology results remains the ultimate responsibility of the health professional who ordered the investigation.
Stated by Betsi Cadwaladr University LHB
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Concerns raised1
Ineffective communication about significant pain levels between nurses and the general practitioner
Responses linked to these concernsEach statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.3
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Action
Convene a multidisciplinary meeting and produce a documented summary of learning and actions.
Stated by Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust -
Action
Consider direct professional dialogue about pain management when treatment is not optimised, regardless of patient or carer communication channels.
Stated by Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust -
Action
Operate a Lead Nurse referral system for branches to obtain clinical advice, contact GPs when necessary, and review patient documentation and care plans.
Stated by Nestor Primcare Services Limited t/a Allied Healthcare
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.1
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Position
When District Nurses were attending, they were responsible for escalating concerns to the GP, so carers were not required to contact the GP directly.
Stated by Nestor Primcare Services Limited t/a Allied Healthcare
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Concerns raised1
Ineffective communication about patients’ needs with GPs and primary healthcare practitioners at HMP High Down
This report raised 10 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concernsEach statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.3
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Action
Review the Standard Operating Procedure for primary-care management of dual diagnosis and comorbidity, then submit it for ratification.
Stated by Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust -
Action
Run weekly Mental Health team meetings with GP access, distribute agendas and minutes, and communicate urgent matters to GPs.
Stated by Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust -
Action
Introduce Consultant Psychiatrist Complex Case Review Meetings including relevant healthcare and custodial partners.
Stated by Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust
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Concerns raised1
Failure to communicate and document specialist treatment instructions
This report raised 17 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concernsEach statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
No linked response statementsNo respondent-stated action or position is linked to these concerns in the published data.
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Concerns raised1
Failure to ensure communication between doctors and primary nurses after falls
This report raised 10 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concernsEach statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.2
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Action
Deliver multidisciplinary training on falls prevention and post-falls care, with regular assessment of planned and delivered care.
Stated by Barts Health NHS Trust -
Action
Hold four daily multidisciplinary safety handover meetings and use them to address communication between ward doctors, elderly-care and haematology teams.
Stated by Barts Health NHS Trust
Data last updated 7 September 2026