Recurring concern

Unreliable documentation of safety risk assessments

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First reported 14 Jul 2014•Latest report 12 Jan 2026

Definition

What this concern includes

Includes failures to document formal, informal or clinically judged safety risk assessments, risk discussions, risk formulations, assessor identities and material assessment details in the records used for ongoing care, custody, safeguarding or safety review. Includes the anchor assertion, post-triage risk assessments, mental-health risk-assessment details and comparable police or prison risk-assessment records.

Not included

  • Excludes failures to perform or clinically formulate a risk assessment where documentation is not itself deficient.
  • Excludes generic clinical, care or administrative record-keeping failures that do not specifically concern documentation of a safety risk assessment.
  • Excludes failure to communicate or act on a risk assessment after it has been accurately documented, unless the documentation process is also deficient.
  • Excludes hazard-specific or named risk systems, such as mental-health, falls, suicide, prisoner or safeguarding risk-assessment systems, when the assertion is confined to a distinct system with a more specific supported parent.
Reports
27

Distinct published reports

Individual concerns
27

A report can raise multiple concerns

Date range
2014–2026

First to latest report issue date

Stated actions
47

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.

Department of Health and Social Care3
Devon Partnership NHS Trust3
Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust3
Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust2
Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust2
South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust2
Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust1
CAMHS East – Cross Street Clinic1
DHL Supply Chain Limited1
Doncaster Royal Infirmary1
East London NHS Foundation Trust1
Hampshire County Council1
Hc-One Limited1
HCRG Care Services Ltd1
Hellesdon Hospital1

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.

  1. Essex

    AI-generated summary

    STUART CHRISTOPHER JAMES BERRY · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    STUART CHRISTOPHER JAMES BERRY, who had a history of mental health issues and significant cocaine misuse, was remanded to HMP Chelmsford on 27 January 2024 after expressing an intention to end his life. He was found suspended in his cell about seven hours after arrival and died at Broomfield Hospital on 1 February 2024; the medical cause of death was hanging and the jury concluded suicide. The principal concerns included failures in mental-health care, communication and risk documentation, failure to share information about his extreme suicide risk, inadequate assessment and supervision in prison, and the accessibility of cell-window ligature points.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Failure to update and document risk assessments

    Wider context from the report

    “CONCERN: During Mr Berry’s inquest, once again, many of the continuing failings under precisely the themes identified in the 2024 ‘Thematic Review’ and in PFDR responses prior to that review as well as in the period since that Review, have been identified as having informed the causative features contributing to the death of a patient under EPUT’s care. In my opinion, the actions taken by EPUT to date to address the acknowledged failings reflected under the themes and issues referred to above have been, and remain, inadequate and incomplete, specifically: (a) Failures in the performance of the CMHT and the allocated Care Coordinator as required under the Care Programme Approach (CPA) and as mandated by EPUT policy. These failures indicated significant human error not detected by an insufficiently robust system and not therefore corrected prior to the death: (b) Failures in Care Planning: specifically, a failure to appropriately up-date and document matters relating to Mr Berry’s Care Plan consistent with Trust policy. (c) Failures in Risk Assessments: specifically, failures to appropriately up-date and document matters relating to Mr Berry’s risk assessment consistent with Trust policy. (d) Failures in Documentation: in a number of acknowledged respects the electronic records were inadequate - and inconsistent with EPUT policy. (e) Failure of joint working internally: the CC did not attempt to escalate or consult with EPUT colleagues via the regular weekly MTD meeting or any other type of Professionals’ Meeting. (f) Failure of joint working externally: the CC did not liaise at all with the external specialist substance misuse team, even though the cocaine misuse was a central aspect of his presentation and mental health deterioration. (g) Failures in Communication within and between teams as above but also, crucially, including a failure to appropriately liaise with the deceased’s Family to gather collateral information and to provide a carer’s assessment and/or support to Mr Berry’s family. ”

    Source location

    STUART CHRISTOPHER JAMES BERRY · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 4 · concerns

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    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Establish and staff a dedicated Early Days in Custody Nurse role to oversee reception screening, risk assessment, information sharing, escalation, supervision, and quality assurance.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “We are focusing on strengthening the interfaces between healthcare and custodial services, retraining reception nurses, and introducing a dedicated Early Days in Custody (EDiC) Nurse role.”

    Source location

    Response from HCRG
    Page 1 · response
    Published 20 January 2026

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Provide structured reception-nurse supervision, coaching, documentation audits, case-based feedback, and governance reporting to improve recording and escalation of mental-health risks.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “In addition, the EDiC Nurse role provides structured supervision and coaching to reception nurses, including regular review of SystmOne entries, case-based feedback, and support to improve clinical reasoning and documentation. This approach provides ongoing assurance that mental health risks are clearly recorded, appropriately escalated, and visible to all relevant professionals.”

    Source location

    Response from HCRG
    Page 3 · response
    Published 20 January 2026

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Deliver targeted mental-health awareness training and support reception nurses to identify suicide, self-harm, acute distress, and appropriate ACCT observation levels.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “• Strengthening Mental Health Awareness and Screening at Reception Targeted 1-1 training was introduced on 27 January 2026 to enhance staff understanding of suicide and self-harm risk factors, acute mental distress, and the impact of early custody on mental wellbeing. The newly established EDiC Nurse role provides clinical leadership and quality assurance through supervision, coaching, and review of reception assessments, supporting nurses to move beyond checklist-based screening and to apply professional judgement when identifying and escalating mental health risk. This approach supports earlier identification of risk and timely referral for mental health assessment. The EDiC Nurse also supports and supervises staff in identifying the appropriate ACCT observation levels and carries out reviews of ongoing ACCT observation levels to check their appropriateness.”

    Source location

    Response from HCRG
    Page 3 · response
    Published 20 January 2026

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Standardise sample-based community mental health caseload audits across localities.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “(a) Performance of the CMHT and the allocated Care Coordinator (under CPA/EPUT policy) EPUT maintains a governance framework that includes regular clinical supervision, weekly MDT forums, escalation procedures, and case auditing to identify and address gaps. We recognise the expectation that staff practise in line with Trust policy. Trust-wide audit requirements were reviewed in January 2026. While the final Trust standard is being confirmed through the Community First Project, our interim approach combines:”

    Source location

    2026-0015 - Response from Essex Partnership University Foundation Trust
    Page 3 · response
    Published 20 January 2026

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Review existing EPR capability for consolidated personalised-care and safety-planning records and update standard operating procedures.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Until NOVA is fully operational, EPUT continues to maintain robust interim monitoring arrangements to support safe and timely documentation. Alongside this, the Trust is currently reviewing the requirements for personalised care planning and safety planning documentation, with the aim of determining whether the existing EPR can accommodate a single, consolidated place for recording and update associated standard operating procedures. This work is intended to reduce the burden associated with navigating multiple tabs and scattered documentation fields, making it easier for clinicians to record care consistently and for teams to access essential information quickly.”

    Source location

    2026-0015 - Response from Essex Partnership University Foundation Trust
    Page 6 · response
    Published 20 January 2026

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Monitor clinical-documentation timeliness and quality through supervision, monthly performance reporting, and targeted follow-up.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “As set out in our earlier response to the Prevention of Future Deaths report, we continue to monitor adherence to the 95% target for clinical documentation to be completed within 24–48 hours of patient contact. This is overseen through a combination of:”

    Source location

    2026-0015 - Response from Essex Partnership University Foundation Trust
    Page 7 · response
    Published 20 January 2026

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Reissue mandatory escalation guidance and introduce MDT agendas and case-presentation templates for changing risk or uncertainty.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Since the incident, we have introduced measures to support staff in consistently meeting expectations around escalation and collaborative working. We recognise that embedding these behaviours is a gradual process and requires ongoing reinforcement, supervision and oversight, which we will continue to prioritise through:”

    Source location

    2026-0015 - Response from Essex Partnership University Foundation Trust
    Page 8 · response
    Published 20 January 2026

    Open published response
  2. City of London

    AI-generated summary

    Tony Montana Duncan · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Tony Montana Duncan had a long-term mental health condition and, during an acute deterioration, told healthcare services that he had suicidal thoughts and planned to jump from a bridge. He was assessed by a psychiatric liaison team and discharged without medication review, admission, documented risk assessment, or follow-up safeguarding, despite information about his suicide plan. On 4 July 2024, he jumped into the River Thames and likely died shortly afterwards; the report identified concerns about the response of mental health services to the risks he presented.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Failure to document risk assessments

    Wider context from the report

    “2. When the Deceased attended the hospital, the Accident and Emergency team’s triage notes included express reference to his specific suicide plan and attached the GP’s letter of referral. The Deceased was then assessed by a psychiatric liaison nurse who concluded that his presentation was as a result of psycho-social stressors rather than mental illness; she was not concerned about the risk of suicide because he had no plan or intent; and she referred the Deceased to the homelessness team and discharged him back to the care of his GP. The nurse did not take any steps to review the Deceased’s medication or consider admission, or escalate these matters to a doctor, nor did she involve the Crisis or Home Treatment teams for follow up / immediate safeguarding. Despite there being a recognised risk to self and to others, both of which the Deceased himself said he could not control, there is no evidence of any risk assessment documentation being completed. ”

    Source location

    Tony Montana Duncan · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 4 · concerns

    Open source report
  3. Essex

    AI-generated summary

    DARREN NEIL TURNER · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Darren Neil Turner was admitted to an acute psychiatric unit on 26 September 2023 after a serious mental health crisis involving suicidal behaviour, alcohol misuse and an attempted house fire. His Section 2 detention was rescinded and he was discharged on 17 October 2023; he likely took his own life by hanging the following morning and was found deceased on 20 October 2023. The report identified concerns including failures in care planning, documentation, risk assessment, care-coordinator allocation, communication with family, and discharge planning.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Failure to appropriately update and document risk assessments

    Wider context from the report

    “(c) Failures in Risk Assessments: specifically, failures to appropriately up-date and document matters relating to Darren’s risk assessment consistent with Trust policy. Relevant passive and active risk factors were not formally reflected in his documented risk assessments. Evidence from his Responsible Consultant Psychiatrist and the discharging Psychiatrist confirmed that, had they been aware of a disclosure made by Darren to his key worker/nurse prior to discharge, the Section 2 detention would not have been rescinded, he would not have been discharged on the 17th October and, accordingly, it is likely that he would not have taken his own life the following day. ”

    Source location

    DARREN NEIL TURNER · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 3 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Implement the unified NOVA electronic patient record to integrate systems and carry forward risk information.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Essex Partnership University Trust and Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust (MSEFT) are working together to implement ‘NOVA’, a new and single Electronic Patient Record (EPR) system across our services, which will pull through risk information which will negate need to repeat information.”

    Source location

    Response from Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
    Page 2 · response
    Published 17 March 2025

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    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Provide ward-wide digital clinical dashboards displaying quality, performance and risk-assessment information.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “The Trust has developed new digital clinical dashboards available in all wards which displays a range of ‘at a glance’ quality/performance information. This includes monitoring of risk assessments. All staff have access to this dashboard.”

    Source location

    Response from Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
    Page 4 · response
    Published 17 March 2025

    Open published response
  4. Berkshire

    AI-generated summary

    Jan Michael RACIBORSKI · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Jan Michael Raciborski, who had longstanding mental health issues and a brain injury, died at home on 5 February 2024 after hanging himself. The principal concern was that records of contacts with the Adult Mental Health Team contained no written risk assessments, creating risks of inadequate information sharing, misleading records, and difficulties investigating whether risks to life had been identified.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Failure to properly record risk assessment details

    Wider context from the report

    “None of the records of contact with Mr Raciborski completed by the AMHT in the period from August 2023 to the date of Mr Raciborski’s death contained any written record of a risk assessment. I found that in Mr Raciborski’s case this absence did not impact his treatment and was not causative factor. However my concern is that the failure to properly record the details of a risk assessment can lead to inadequate information sharing and the possibility of someone who relies upon the records gaining the wrong impression. In addition it does not allow the adequacy of the risk assessments to be properly investigated and could hinder investigations into deaths; which mean that a matter giving rise to a risk to life may not be identified in future investigations. ”

    Source location

    Jan Michael RACIBORSKI · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Attend supervision training to refresh risk-assessment and documentation skills.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “The team manager of the South Oxon Adult Mental Health Team also attended court on the first day of Mr Raciborski’s inquest and has subsequently listened to the audio recording of your summing up and findings of fact on the second day. The team manager’s attendance at the inquest in order to listen to the evidence provided further valuable insight into the contacts that the AMHT had with Mr Raciborski. Following the conclusion of the inquest, the team manager has taken local actions in relation to your concerns including (a) all supervisors in”

    Source location

    Response from Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
    Page 1 · response
    Published 13 January 2025

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    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Extend supervision training to all South Oxfordshire teams.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “the Wallingford, Henley and Thame service are attending supervision training to refresh skills and she has asked that this is extended to all of the teams in South Oxfordshire and (b) a meeting in relation to CPA discharge discussions, within which the team discussed risk and how to document assessments of risk. The team manager will also complete spot checks of clinical notes with a focus on the concerns that you identified.”

    Source location

    Response from Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
    Page 2 · response
    Published 13 January 2025

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    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Discuss risk assessment and documentation during CPA discharge discussions.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “The team manager of the South Oxon Adult Mental Health Team also attended court on the first day of Mr Raciborski’s inquest and has subsequently listened to the audio recording of your summing up and findings of fact on the second day. The team manager’s attendance at the inquest in order to listen to the evidence provided further valuable insight into the contacts that the AMHT had with Mr Raciborski. Following the conclusion of the inquest, the team manager has taken local actions in relation to your concerns including (a) all supervisors in”

    Source location

    Response from Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
    Page 1 · response
    Published 13 January 2025

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Complete spot checks of clinical notes focused on the reported recording concerns.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “the Wallingford, Henley and Thame service are attending supervision training to refresh skills and she has asked that this is extended to all of the teams in South Oxfordshire and (b) a meeting in relation to CPA discharge discussions, within which the team discussed risk and how to document assessments of risk. The team manager will also complete spot checks of clinical notes with a focus on the concerns that you identified.”

    Source location

    Response from Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
    Page 2 · response
    Published 13 January 2025

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Use a clinical audit tool to assess records against risk-assessment and risk-management documentation standards.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “The Trust Core Clinical Standards in Mental Health and Learning Disability Care Policy gives colleagues guidance and direction as to the requirements and recording of risk assessment and information for both inpatient and community settings. We developed a clinical audit tool in the autumn of 2024 in order to check patient records against the policy and the standards to which we aspire. The tool reviews the following areas relating to the recording of risk information:”

    Source location

    Response from Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
    Page 2 · response
    Published 13 January 2025

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Ask the CRAM policy owner to consider whether an earlier policy review is required.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “The Trust’s Clinical Risk Assessment and Management (CRAM) Policy sets out the standards for assessment, formulation and recording of risk assessment. The policy was most recently updated in February 2023 and is due for next review in February 2026. I have asked the CRAM policy owner to consider if an earlier review is required, given your concerns.”

    Source location

    Response from Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
    Page 2 · response
    Published 13 January 2025

    Open published response
  5. Birmingham and Solihull

    AI-generated summary

    Kieran Lavin · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Kieran Lavin, who had experienced worsening depression and suicidal thoughts, died after leaving a mental health unit with his wife for transport to another facility. Shortly afterwards, on the M5 motorway, he exited the vehicle and was struck by vehicles. The principal concerns were that critical suicide-risk information was not recorded or recorded promptly, and that the transport risk assessment and guidance for family transport were inadequate.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Failure to record transport risk formulations

    Wider context from the report

    “1. Critical suicide risk information was not recorded at all or not recorded in a timely manner. On 10/12/23, the experienced nurse did not record at all in the 'suicide' box on the 'level 1 – risk screening' the first report of suicidal ideation via road traffic collision. She described this omission as an error and the likely explanation was that she was the only nurse working on a very busy shift. On 11/12/23, the experienced nurse did not in a timely manner record in the ‘suicide’ box on the ‘level 1 – risk screening’ the second report of suicidal ideation via road traffic collision received by 11am. She said the likely explanation for not updating the ‘suicide’ box until 8:51pm (and after the nurse-in-charge made his transport risk formulation) was that she was the only nurse working on a very busy shift. The experienced Nurse-in-Charge did not record at all the transport risk formulation saying that was not his usual practice. The Patient Safety Manager said long standing trust policy required clinicians to record key information as soon as possible. I am not persuaded this long standing policy is sufficient by itself to remove the risk in the future of critical suicide risk information not being recorded at all or in a timely manner given three experienced nurses within 24 hours failed to follow the policy. ”

    Source location

    Kieran Lavin · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Review and revise Psychiatric Decisions Unit handover standards to require urgent information to be documented and communicated before transport, discharge and other significant decisions.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “The quality and standards of the handover process in the PDU will be reviewed, with particular attention to ensuring that critical information is documented and communicated before key decisions, such as patient transport, are made. The handover process will also be revised to establish clear standards that require the documentation and communication of urgent information prior to any significant decisions, including patient discharge.”

    Source location

    Response from Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust
    Page 2 · response
    Published 9 August 2024

    Open published response
  6. Inner South London

    AI-generated summary

    Jada Monoja · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Jada Monoja, who had a history of chronic paranoid and delusional thinking, disclosed suicidal thoughts on 15 November 2020 and was assessed by mental health services before being accepted by the Home Treatment Team. In the early hours of 17 November 2020, he was found unresponsive after leaving home and could not be resuscitated; the inquest concluded that he died by suicide, likely while experiencing delusional and paranoid thoughts. The principal concerns relate to the use of the online risk assessment tool, including assessments being incomplete, insufficiently dated or signposted, and difficult to identify within chronological records.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Failure to clearly date and signpost revisions within compound risk assessments

    Wider context from the report

    “Multiple witnesses indicated that the Risk Assessment Tool on the online system (EPJS) is not used in line with policy (i.e. that a new assessment in that tool is undertaken at the time of each admission/discharge/major risk event etc.), and, if updated, may only be updated in so far as additional narrative is added to the last such narrative in a previously completed assessment. Further, the evidence was that rather than be used for a detailed assessment per the indicators set out in the tool at the time of each relevant event, it was reviewed to instead access any past assessment in order (only) to establish quickly a benchmark against which the gauge a patient’s current presentation when considering their risks. The detailed indicators informing the risk assessment were not updated. Although it was submitted that patient risk was nonetheless assessed and recorded in the EPJS, and acknowledged that benchmarking/comparison is useful, I am concerned that: (1) if the risk indicators set out in the tool are not systematically reviewed or reconsidered, then the assessment of risk that follows will then be based on incomplete, and therefore misleading, information; and (2) absent the above, and dating of revisions within a compound document, it is not clear on what indicators any assessment is in fact based (3) to the extent the risk assessment is used as a benchmarking tool, the impression given to the most recent reviewer is then likely to be incomplete and misleading; (4) the apparent current use of the tool to establish a point of benchmarking/comparison is in any event lost where the compound narrative assessments are not clearly dated and signposted ; (5) if the detailed patient assessment is instead placed as a new entry in the general chronological notes, the usefulness of the tool as a clear, well signposted, dated assessment and documentation of the patients of risk(s), is lost, requiring a reviewer to instead review the general chronological log of entries on the EPJS where it is not required to be articulated in the same terms, and may be more difficult to identify in a longstanding patient. ”

    Source location

    Jada Monoja · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

    Open source report
  7. Essex

    AI-generated summary

    Nadia Wyatt · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Nadia Wyatt, a 53-year-old woman experiencing severe anxiety, separation anxiety and depression, died by hanging on 26 July 2023 after taking sleeping tablets and apparently drinking wine. The principal concerns included failures in record-keeping, care planning, risk assessment and risk management, including inappropriate copying from another patient’s care plan and potential over-reliance on her husband as a carer.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Failure to record risk assessment completion and outcomes

    Wider context from the report

    “(1) Failure to update Nadia’s records with the outcomes of referrals that were made and whether such referrals were accepted or declined, either for Nadia or her carer. (2) Failure to include within her records considerations and professional opinions reached on the prospect, or not, of readmission for in-patient treatment together with the final decision and rationale. (3) Lack of bespoke care plans tailored to Nadia’s needs. Notwithstanding the fact Nadia had begun to disengage and declined to be involved in her care planning, more personalised plans could have been drafted taking into account her personal characteristics, needs and past medical history. (4) Evidence of “cutting and pasting” into Nadia’s care plan from another patient’s care plan. (5) Failing to undertake risk assessments at all relevant and appropriate stages and/or failure to record that such an assessment had in fact taken place and what the outcome was. (6) Failing to provide a “RAG” rating to risk assessments and/or to indicate where required that a risk exists. (7) Failure to include risk management and contingency planning within Nadia’s care plans as well as key elements of her condition at that time, including her recent inpatient admission. (8) The potential for over-reliance on Nadia’s husband, albeit he was only too willing to support her and care for her, and the need to balance maintaining Nadia’s care and treatment in the community with the need to support her carer as well. ”

    Source location

    Nadia Wyatt · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Revise line-management supervision forms to cover record-keeping quality, responsibilities, policy, values and professional accountability.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Response: The Trust has revised line management supervision forms to include quality of record keeping, their professional responsibilities, Trust policy and values, and NMC accountability frameworks in respect of record keeping. In addition to discussions during supervision the Crisis Response and Home Treatment Service has been reminded of this in their team meetings.”

    Source location

    Response from Essex Partnership NHS
    Page 1 · response
    Published 19 January 2024

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Remind Crisis Response and Home Treatment Service staff in team meetings about documentation and record-keeping requirements.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Response: The Trust has revised line management supervision forms to include quality of record keeping, their professional responsibilities, Trust policy and values, and NMC accountability frameworks in respect of record keeping. In addition to discussions during supervision the Crisis Response and Home Treatment Service has been reminded of this in their team meetings.”

    Source location

    Response from Essex Partnership NHS
    Page 1 · response
    Published 19 January 2024

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Audit Home Treatment Team assessments regularly and share findings with the team to improve assessment documentation.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “In order to ensure the assessments undertaken by the Home Treatment Team are comprehensive and the findings (including the rationale for the decisions made) are clearly documented, regular audits on Home Treatment Team assessments will be undertaken and the findings shared with the team to continuously improve practice.”

    Source location

    Response from Essex Partnership NHS
    Page 1 · response
    Published 19 January 2024

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Randomly audit patient records monthly for discrepancies in RAG-rated risk assessments and take action where discrepancies are found.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “The Trust also randomly audits patients’ records on a monthly basis to identify any concerns with RAG rating of risk assessments in order for actions to be taken where discrepancies are found.”

    Source location

    Response from Essex Partnership NHS
    Page 3 · response
    Published 19 January 2024

    Open published response
  8. Inner North London

    AI-generated summary

    Luke Mervyn WHITELAW · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Luke Mervyn Whitelaw, who was known to mental health services, died by suicide; his body was recovered from the River Thames on 17 March 2023. Before his death, his mental health deteriorated and a referral for urgent psychiatric review following his disclosure that he would accept informal hospital admission was not acted on. Concerns included insufficient consideration of historic and current risks, inadequate documentation and exploration of deterioration, and a lack of reassurance that identified learning points would be addressed.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Failure to clearly document risk discussions and assessments

    Wider context from the report

    “(3) The Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust’s Serious Incident Investigation Report, dated 8 September 2023, identified numerous matters and learning points, including, but not limited to the following: • There had been a lack of “professional curiosity” in the assessment and planning of Mr Whitelaw’s care and treatment • “Discussions and assessments of risk should be clearly documented” • “Risk formulations should consider both current and historic/contextual risks and incorporate ratings of mood to ensure that these are not used in isolation and are linked with appropriate interventions” • There were “missed opportunities identified in relation to LW’s self-reported deterioration following his discharge from hospital which do not appear to have been fully explored.” However, the Serious Incident Investigation Report does include any plan to address the concerns it identified. As such, there insufficient reassurance that there is plan to address the matters in a meaningful way moving forward. ”

    Source location

    Luke Mervyn WHITELAW · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Train clinicians to document medication and medical-review discussions, decisions, participants, timings and outcomes.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “We have discussed with the team members of CRHTT the need to precisely document discussions about medication or medical review in future (i.e. to outline date and time of discussion, who was involved in the discussion, and the outcome that was agreed). Since this time, significant discussion and training has taken place with all clinicians in this team to document key discussions and decisions – including when the clinical needs changes to the point that inpatient care is indicated. Training and discussion has also taken place during 2023 and into 2024 with the consultant psychiatrists, managers and clinical staff about meaningful discussion and documentation of same, and consideration of written notes.”

    Source location

    Response from Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust
    Page 2 · response
    Published 6 December 2023

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Implement and monitor an improvement plan addressing clinical-care, risk-assessment, documentation and reflective-practice gaps.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “In 2023 an improvement plan was put in pace for this clinical team to address gaps which were identified during the investigation and gaps which were identified as a result of day-to-day oversight. This plan is monitored by the service director and the clinical director for the Acute & Crisis Directorate and will continue until such time that we are satisfied that the care provided is to the standard needed, and for at least until July 2024.”

    Source location

    Response from Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust
    Page 2 · response
    Published 6 December 2023

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Introduce a single crisis-assessment form capturing the person’s journey and prior assessment information in the clinical record.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “We have also had intensive engagement with clinicians and the transformation team to co- design a single crisis assessment form that allows to capture a person journey /story in one single document on the patient recording system. This would prompt clinicians to add to assessment that was carried out previously which reduce the risks of clinicians not considering the full information on what has been happening in that person care. The form has recently gone live on the Patient clinical record as of 22 January 2024 and is on testing phase for which we are collecting feedback.”

    Source location

    Response from Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust
    Page 4 · response
    Published 6 December 2023

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Review the Trust electronic-record risk-assessment template to support improved risk assessment, formulation, communication and recording.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “• On a trust wide basis, work is underway to review the Trust Risk assessment template on the electronic patient record. This will support the embedding of the fresh approach to risk assessment, formulation, communication and recording.”

    Source location

    Response from Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust
    Page 4 · response
    Published 6 December 2023

    Open published response
  9. Birmingham and Solihull

    AI-generated summary

    Paula LENIHAN · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Paula Lenihan was found deceased at her home on 6 March 2023. The medical cause of death was ischaemic and hypertensive heart disease, with combined toxicity from drugs in her system. The principal concern was that risk assessments within the Birmingham & Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust were not being completed or updated satisfactorily, creating a risk from insufficient recording of risk information.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Failure to complete or update risk assessments adequately

    Wider context from the report

    “1. The evidence given on behalf of the Birmingham & Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust was that in addition to this present case, where the deceased's risk assessment was not updated between November 2021 and her death in March 2023 despite circumstances which I was told ought to have triggered an update, there were a further number of cases within the Trust in which Root Cause Analysis reports had been produced, where it had also been found that risk assessments were not being completed in line with expectations; further, that it was not clear why this was happening. 2. If risk assessments are not being properly completed or updated, then there is an obvious risk of deaths occurring in the future, as a result of insufficient recording of risk. The fact that risk-relevant information may be recorded in the body of clinical notes is not reassuring, because a risk assessment or risk summary ought to capture the most salient risk information so that a professional looking quickly can absorb it; this is all the more important where professionals are under time pressure. 3. The evidence given to me was that a 'task and finish group' has been set up to address the issue, which expects to have concluded by early next year, i.e. 2024, and that this group will be addressing matters as they are found rather than waiting until the final stage of its existence early next year. The evidence was that this group is at an early stage, with meetings considering the terms of reference and also, recently, the most appropriate persons to contribute to the group. 4. In the circumstances I am concerned that currently there is an extant issue within the Trust about the completion of risk assessments being, on a number of occasions, unsatisfactory. The task and finish group is at an early stage and I do not know what it is going to do, or when. I therefore cannot be reassured that the issues around risk recording which that group is going to examine have, at this point in time, been addressed. It seems to me that they continue to exist, because there has been no evidence to tell me otherwise. ”

    Source location

    Paula LENIHAN · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Provide protected dedicated staff time to update risk assessment documentation.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “The Trust has worked closely with teams, supporting with protected dedicated time for staff to update risk assessment documentation. A project Group has been set up to look at our risk assessment process. This has already met 4 times in recent months and includes a review of our medical out patient clinics and whether the current risk documentation process is fit for purpose, for our care support patients who are reviewed in these clinics. The review of our risk management policy is also complete and the revised policy will be ratified shortly. This work is being led by our Deputy Medical Director for Quality and Safety .”

    Source location

    Response from Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health
    Page 2 · response
    Published 6 October 2023

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Operate a project group reviewing the risk assessment process, outpatient clinics and documentation for care support patients.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “The Trust has worked closely with teams, supporting with protected dedicated time for staff to update risk assessment documentation. A project Group has been set up to look at our risk assessment process. This has already met 4 times in recent months and includes a review of our medical out patient clinics and whether the current risk documentation process is fit for purpose, for our care support patients who are reviewed in these clinics. The review of our risk management policy is also complete and the revised policy will be ratified shortly. This work is being led by our Deputy Medical Director for Quality and Safety .”

    Source location

    Response from Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health
    Page 2 · response
    Published 6 October 2023

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Complete the review of the risk management policy.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “The Trust has worked closely with teams, supporting with protected dedicated time for staff to update risk assessment documentation. A project Group has been set up to look at our risk assessment process. This has already met 4 times in recent months and includes a review of our medical out patient clinics and whether the current risk documentation process is fit for purpose, for our care support patients who are reviewed in these clinics. The review of our risk management policy is also complete and the revised policy will be ratified shortly. This work is being led by our Deputy Medical Director for Quality and Safety .”

    Source location

    Response from Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health
    Page 2 · response
    Published 6 October 2023

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Ratify the revised risk management policy.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “The Trust has worked closely with teams, supporting with protected dedicated time for staff to update risk assessment documentation. A project Group has been set up to look at our risk assessment process. This has already met 4 times in recent months and includes a review of our medical out patient clinics and whether the current risk documentation process is fit for purpose, for our care support patients who are reviewed in these clinics. The review of our risk management policy is also complete and the revised policy will be ratified shortly. This work is being led by our Deputy Medical Director for Quality and Safety .”

    Source location

    Response from Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health
    Page 2 · response
    Published 6 October 2023

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Monitor risk-assessment completion through monthly local clinical governance committees and the trust-wide performance delivery group.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “To ensure we continue to support staff in maintaining these levels of completion we will be monitoring via our monthly local CMHT clinical governance committee and trust wide performance delivery group.”

    Source location

    Response from Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health
    Page 2 · response
    Published 6 October 2023

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    The Trust disputes that failing to update risk assessment information already recorded would create a risk of death or meet the PFD threshold.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “I understand that during evidence presented at the inquest you concluded that the failure to update the risk assessment did not contribute to the death and accepted that the information was recorded within the records for staff to access. Your report sets out your belief that the risk assessment should be updated ‘so that a professional looking quickly can absorb it; this is all the more important where professionals are under time pressure.’ This aspect of your report is not based on evidence heard at the inquest and the Trust does not accept that failing to update the Risk Assessment section of the medical notes, when the information is already within the records, would result in death. Even in times of pressure, clinicians would review all the necessary pertinent information prior to reviewing a patient.”

    Source location

    Response from Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health
    Page 1 · response
    Published 6 October 2023

    Open published response
  10. Exeter and Greater Devon

    AI-generated summary

    Archi Johnson · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Archi Johnson, who had a history of depression, self-harm and suicidal ideation, was admitted voluntarily to a hospital ward on 5 November 2019 after reporting intrusive thoughts of taking his own life. He was found hanging on 7 November 2019; concerns were raised that information about a previous similar suicide attempt was not clearly recorded or shared, which may have affected decisions about his risk level, observation level and the removal of potentially dangerous ligature items.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Failure to clearly record and make relevant previous incidents known to those responsible for care

    Wider context from the report

    “1.Evidence was heard regarding the manner in which information crucial to the formulation of risk assessments was recorded and shared: a)Two types of risk assessments were completed, with no system to ensure that important information is present on both; b) The previous incident in which Archi had attempted to take his own life in very similar circumstances on the ward was not clearly entered on the risk assessments used by staff and therefore not known to a number of those responsible for his care; c) Those responsible for his care accepted that the above incident was one of which they would have wanted to have knowledge; d) The absence of that information may have affected the subsequent decisions made regarding the setting of risk level, observation level and removal of potentially dangerous ligature items. ”

    Source location

    Archi Johnson · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

    Open source report
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Data last updated 7 September 2026