Recurring concern

Inadequate safety incident investigations

Pin Get email alerts Request correction

First reported 13 Dec 2008•Latest report 25 Jun 2026

Definition

What this concern includes

Includes initiation, evidence gathering, witness testing, factual accuracy, analysis, timeliness, investigator competence and reporting within investigations of deaths, serious incidents and patient, resident or operational safety events.

Not included

  • Police, conduct, regulatory or other investigations not directed at organisational safety learning
  • Failure to implement an unrelated safety action not arising from an incident investigation
  • Generic governance failures not directly affecting a safety incident investigation or its learning process
  • Excludes downstream dissemination, learning and corrective-action controls once the investigation findings have been established.
Reports
244

Distinct published reports

Individual concerns
316

A report can raise multiple concerns

Date range
2008–2026

First to latest report issue date

Stated actions
447

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 Care31
Care Quality Commission21
NHS England20
Betsi Cadwaladr University LHB11
Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust10
Barts Health NHS Trust8
Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust8
Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust7
Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust6
Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust5
Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust5
Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust5
Health and Safety Executive4
Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency4
NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board4

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. Teesside and Hartlepool

    AI-generated summary

    Gloria Elizabeth MEKINS · 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

    Gloria Elizabeth Mekins was a resident at Rossmere Park Care Home when she choked while eating a snack on 2 October 2018 and died at the care home. Concerns included the absence of first aid by the staff member who found her, confusion about the existence of a DNA CPR leading to a delay in first aid, and the care home's failure to investigate or address these issues.

    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 investigate choking-related events and identify safety issues

    Wider context from the report

    “(1) The Health Care Assistant who initially discovered Ms Mekins choking carried out no first aid, nor did she take any action to try to clear Ms Mekins' mouth or help improve her breathing, eg back slaps or Heimlich manoeuvre. (2) There was confusion as to the existence of a DNA CPR and this led to a delay in the provision of first aid. (3) The Care Home had not undertaken an internal investigation into events surrounding Ms Mekins' death and have not identified the above issues, nor have they attempted to remedy them. The Senior Coroner is concerned that the above issues place residents at the Care Home at risk of serious injury or death. ”

    Source location

    Gloria Elizabeth MEKINS · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · 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

    Submit a safeguarding alert to Hartlepool Social Services for further investigation.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “However, it became apparent at the end of November that further investigation was required and I submitted a Safeguarding Alert to Hartlepool Social Services on 3.12.2018.”

    Source location

    2019-0171-Response-by-Rossmere-Park-Care-Centre
    Page 3 · response
    Published 2 August 2019

    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

    Participate in lessons-learned meetings with safeguarding, commissioning, healthcare and police representatives.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “I attended a Lessons Learned Meeting on 8th. January 2019, at which both Hartlepool’s Safeguarding and Commissioning Teams, a representative from the CCG (NHS) and the Police were present.”

    Source location

    2019-0171-Response-by-Rossmere-Park-Care-Centre
    Page 3 · response
    Published 2 August 2019

    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

    A separate internal investigation was considered inappropriate while CQC had been notified and the Coroner was conducting a full investigation.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “In line with CQC requirements, I submitted a Notification 16 (Death of a Resident) to CQC on 2nd October 2018 before I went on leave.”

    Source location

    2019-0171-Response-by-Rossmere-Park-Care-Centre
    Page 3 · response
    Published 2 August 2019

    Open published response
  2. Avon

    AI-generated summary

    Benjamin James Charles MURRAY · 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

    On 5 May 2018, Ben was found beneath the Clifton suspension bridge after walking onto the bridge, climbing onto the buttress wall and propelling himself forward. The inquest concluded that his death was suicide. The report raised concerns about mental health disclosure by university applicants, the pastoral role of universities during transition to higher education, and the absence of university investigation reports following a student death.

    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

    Lack of post-death investigation reports for student deaths

    Wider context from the report

    “3. For Bristol University, The Department of Education and The Minister for Suicide Prevention The transition from home to University can be a challenging time for some students and Universities clearly have the primary role of education however this inquest has demonstrated they also carry out an important pastoral role. It is not the role of the Coroner to investigate Ben’s journey through University in light of the circumstances of his tragic death and the limited scope. That said as a Coroner has a duty to consider prevention of future deaths it was appropriate in this case that aspects of Ben’s progress were investigated by me. In addition currently the University sector does not carry out an investigation report (such as a root cause analysis or sudden untoward investigation) after a death of a student. Such a written report usually affords an opportunity to review what happened; what was done well/the good practice points; areas of concern, if there are any, and importantly what lessons can be learned often with a formal written action plan. Such a document is also very helpful to the Coroner when considering and discharging this duty. Such a formal process and document most importantly assists in preventing future deaths. ”

    Source location

    Benjamin James Charles MURRAY · 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

    Establish the national Learning from Deaths policy framework to guide investigation, learning and engagement with bereaved families.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Universities UK’s ‘Suicide-safer Universities’ guidance on postvention, developed in conjunction with our Departments and the Office for Students, recommends carrying out a serious incident review to facilitate research, data collection and monitoring to get to the bottom of what has happened, and the lessons learned. This also includes sharing experiences of best practice and knowledge with others. As referred to above, the guidance was published in September 2018, ahead of the 2018/19 academic year, with every UUK member receiving a printed version. The Universities Minister will work with Universities UK in the forthcoming academic year to remind Higher Education providers of this recommendation in the 2018 Universities UK guidance.”

    Source location

    2019-0155-Response-by-Department-for-Education
    Page 4 · response
    Published 28 July 2019

    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

    Work with Universities UK during the forthcoming academic year to remind higher education providers about recommending serious incident reviews.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Universities UK’s ‘Suicide-safer Universities’ guidance on postvention, developed in conjunction with our Departments and the Office for Students, recommends carrying out a serious incident review to facilitate research, data collection and monitoring to get to the bottom of what has happened, and the lessons learned. This also includes sharing experiences of best practice and knowledge with others. As referred to above, the guidance was published in September 2018, ahead of the 2018/19 academic year, with every UUK member receiving a printed version. The Universities Minister will work with Universities UK in the forthcoming academic year to remind Higher Education providers of this recommendation in the 2018 Universities UK guidance.”

    Source location

    2019-0155-Response-by-Department-for-Education
    Page 4 · response
    Published 28 July 2019

    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

    Oversee serious-incident reviews for qualifying suicides and serious attempted suicides from September 2019.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “As part of its role from September 2019 the SPRG will oversee the undertaking of a serious incident review for every suicide or serious attempted suicide involving a high mortality method or admission to intensive care. This will be based on practice in the NHS and other HEIs. An incident review report will include relevant information about the student, their interactions with the University and noting what went well in providing support and where there is possibility for improvement. Should a death occur, information gathered about the student will also be added to our suicide audit tool which aims to identify any trends over time that may inform future suicide prevention. It will also form the basis of information provided to assist with Coroner’s Inquests.”

    Source location

    2019-0155-Response-by-University-of-Bristol
    Page 2 · response
    Published 28 July 2019

    Open published response
  3. Blackpool and the Fylde

    AI-generated summary

    James David FLETCHER · 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

    James David Fletcher died in hospital on 14 July 2018 following peritonitis caused by leakage of gastric contents after PEG tube insertion. The report identifies concerns including failure to consider or detect peritonitis, continued use of the PEG tube despite it being contraindicated, inadequate communication and record keeping, insufficient awareness of post-operative PEG risks, and difficulties ensuring essential medication was available.

    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 of internal serious incident investigations to identify PEG contraindications

    Wider context from the report

    “4) I am concerned that there is a lack of knowledge amongst medical and nursing staff who may come into contact with and have the responsibility for the care of patients who have undergone PEG surgery about the post-operative risks of such surgery, in particular the risk of peritonitis, of the signs and symptoms which may give rise to a differential diagnosis of peritonitis and of measures which would be or may be contraindicated in the circumstances that complications, including peritonitis develop. This is illustrated in the present case by an apparent lack of awareness that peritonitis may develop and that the use of the PEG tube in the circumstances concerned was contraindicated and by the omission to place a warning label in the Deceased’s notes as provided for by the applicable protocol. The fact that the use of the PEG tube was contraindicated was not identified in the course of the internal serious incident investigation. ”

    Source location

    James David FLETCHER · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

    Open source report
  4. Norfolk

    AI-generated summary

    Nyall Cye BROWN · 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

    Nyall Cye Brown was found hanging in woodland on 17 May 2018 and died in hospital on 22 May 2018. Concerns included that his care records were not reviewed before he was assessed, meaning his full history and risks could not be taken into account, and that this issue had been raised previously but was not always addressed. The issue was also not considered in the Trust’s investigation.

    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 consider the care-record review concern in investigation

    Wider context from the report

    “1. Evidence was heard that Mr Brown’s care records were not reviewed prior to his being seen, which would enable Mr Brown’s full history and risks to be taken into account when assessing him. 2. This is a matter which has been raised with the Trust previously. Staff are expected to read previous records relating to a service user, but this is not always happening. 3. This matter was not considered in the otherwise thorough investigation conducted by the Trust. ”

    Source location

    Nyall Cye BROWN · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · 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

    Introduce Patient Participation Leads and new Clinical Directors to strengthen clinical and service leadership and oversee learning from serious incidents.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “To positively influence the Trust’s improvement work we are strengthening the clinical and service leadership in order to ensure there is the necessary breadth of skills and resource to lead safe and effective services. Of particular note, the Trust will be introducing Patient Participation Leads for each locality, who will work alongside new Clinical Directors to lead the components of quality and patient experience. The Trust has recruited to the majority of these roles which will be fully effective from September 2019. A key function of this new approach will be the accountability to share learning, implement and monitor recommendations from serious incidents.”

    Source location

    2019-0134-Response-by-Norfolk-and-Suffolk-NHS-Trust
    Page 1 · response
    Published 14 June 2019

    Open published response
  5. East London

    AI-generated summary

    Mr Frederick Raymond BROOKER · 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

    Mr Frederick Raymond Brooker, who used a wheelchair in a residential care home, sustained multiple falls, including a fall on 10 July 2018 that caused a catastrophic traumatic bleed and from which he died on 14 July 2018. The principal concerns were that, despite his recognised high risk of falling, the care home did not put adequate care plans or other measures in place, review the wheelchair or involve relevant services, investigate subsequent falls, or provide evidence of encouragement to use the wheelchair seatbelt.

    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 investigate subsequent falls

    Wider context from the report

    “(3) An investigation took place into a fall on the 15th March 2018. No further investigations were carried out by the home into the subsequent falls, including those falls resulting in injury. Senior staff were not, therefore, always aware of the circumstances of each fall. They were therefore not able to identify the optimum means of attempting to reduce the risk of further falls. ”

    Source location

    Mr Frederick Raymond BROOKER · 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

    Develop and provide a post-fall protocol flow chart and checklist to guide staff through required actions, documentation and investigation.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “A Post Fall Protocol Flow Chart [Exhibit 3] is available and provides useful at-a-glance guidance for staff. To remind them of the steps to follow after a fall. In order to ensure compliance with the process, a checklist has been developed to provide prompts to the care home team on documentation and process [Exhibit 4] and to ensure that our staff teams are actively thinking about each of the actions required after a fall.”

    Source location

    2019-0097-Response-by-HC-One
    Page 3 · response
    Published 14 June 2019

    Open published response
  6. Nottinghamshire

    AI-generated summary

    Malcolm John Rathmell · 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

    Malcolm Rathmell was admitted after a fall and his pelvic fracture was not diagnosed until several days later. He was incorrectly given warfarin intended for another patient, subsequently suffered retroperitoneal bleeding, and died after developing bronchopneumonia. Concerns included failures to identify the incorrect prescription, the absence of a ward-based pharmacy review, and insufficient implemented action to address the risk of future deaths.

    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 establish how or why the anticoagulation chart was mislabelled

    Wider context from the report

    “(3) It has not been possible to establish how or why this happened despite an extensive investigation by the Trust and a detailed enquiry during the inquest. ”

    Source location

    Malcolm John Rathmell · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 3 · concerns

    Open source report
  7. Birmingham and Solihull

    AI-generated summary

    Jean Mary Cutler · 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

    Jean Mary Cutler had severe dementia, osteoporosis and no independent mobility, and was at high risk of falling. On 5 October 2018 she fell from her wheelchair at Cole Valley Nursing Home, sustaining a fractured left femur, and died there on 18 October 2018. Concerns included inconsistent use of lap belts, reliance on staff intervention despite understaffing, and inadequate post-incident investigation and falls risk assessment.

    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

    Inadequate post-incident investigation and organisational learning

    Wider context from the report

    “5. The nursing home’s internal investigation recognised as root causes of the incident a lack of internal knowledge and guidance, that the home had been through a hard time recently and it had impacted on the staff, that care plans did not give correct guidance to staff, and that management was unstable. However, the only post-action event listed was an ‘incident debrief’. The nursing home manager agreed when given evidence that the action plan would have been more effective if it had included a review of the falls risk assessment, the viability of restraint devices being used both outside and inside, and a review of whether staff numbers were adequate. My on-going concern is that the post incident investigation was inadequate and lessons have not been learned. ”

    Source location

    Jean Mary Cutler · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

    Open source report

    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

    Implemented control measures are considered sufficient to resolve the identified falls, wheelchair restraint and investigation concerns.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Cole Valley Nursing Home and its Directors accept and acknowledge the Coroner’s Concerns and believe that the control measures implemented by the Home serves to demonstrate how the Home and Cole Valley Care Ltd. have resolved said concerns - learning from both the inquest and the concerns detailed within your Regulation 28 report.”

    Source location

    2019-0040-Response-by-Cole-Valley-Nursing-Home
    Page 3 · response
    Published 26 May 2019

    Open published response
  8. Norfolk

    AI-generated summary

    RUTH PATRICIA WHITMORE · 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

    Ruth Patricia Whitmore, who had multiple comorbidities, sustained a large haematoma when her leg became caught in a bed rail during hospital care on 7 January 2018. Her condition deteriorated after community care and readmission, and she died on 13 April 2018; concerns included inadequate handover of responsibility and an initial investigation that was not robust or sufficiently thorough.

    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 conduct robust and thorough incident investigations

    Wider context from the report

    “(2) The initial investigation into the incident was not robust in that it only included an account of what happened from the patient. No attempts were made to ascertain who members of staff on duty were and interview them. There was no detailed analysis of events. It is not clear from the evidence whether the initial investigation was checked, reviewed and discussed and whether additional steps are in place to ensure all investigations are adequate and thorough. ”

    Source location

    RUTH PATRICIA WHITMORE · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report

    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 assure the adequacy and thoroughness of incident investigations

    Wider context from the report

    “(2) The initial investigation into the incident was not robust in that it only included an account of what happened from the patient. No attempts were made to ascertain who members of staff on duty were and interview them. There was no detailed analysis of events. It is not clear from the evidence whether the initial investigation was checked, reviewed and discussed and whether additional steps are in place to ensure all investigations are adequate and thorough. ”

    Source location

    RUTH PATRICIA WHITMORE · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report
  9. Manchester South

    AI-generated summary

    Mr Malcolm Marshall Shaw · 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

    Mr Malcolm Marshall Shaw was admitted to Stepping Hill Hospital following a general decline in his condition and later sustained an unobserved fall, resulting in a fractured right femur. He developed bronchopneumonia and died on 20 February 2018; the inquest recorded that his death was contributed to by underlying lung disease. The principal concerns were that the Trust’s original investigation into the fall was fundamentally flawed, that revised investigation training had not yet been introduced, and that frontline staff lacked guidance on promptly capturing evidence about falls.

    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

    Lack of guidance for frontline staff on promptly capturing evidence after falls

    Wider context from the report

    “Specifically in relation to cases involving falls, it remains of concern that frontline staff do not appear to have been provided with any guidance as to how to capture the best available evidence as to the circumstances of the fall as soon as reasonably possible after the incident. This is a matter of particular concern bearing in mind the potential benefits such an approach would bring to the Trust’s ongoing efforts to understand the causes of falls on wards with a view to trying to prevent as many of them as possible. ”

    Source location

    Mr Malcolm Marshall Shaw · 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

    Run the Safer Mobility Collaborative, including immediate post-fall assessment, staff statements and patient discussions to confirm safety actions.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “• In June 2018 the Trust launched a Safer Mobility Collaborative aimed at reducing inpatient falls by March 2019. Part of the collaborative included the launch of an immediate assessment of the circumstances of the fall, taking statements from staff and talking with the patient to assess that all actions to ensure patient safety are in place.”

    Source location

    2019-0007-Response-by-Stockport-NHS-Trust
    Page 2 · response
    Published 23 May 2019

    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 thrice-weekly Quality Safety Leadership Summits to monitor falls, confirm investigations have started and verify inclusion of immediate statements.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “• In January 2019, the Trust further enhanced its approaches to monitoring falls via our Quality Safety Leadership Summit, held three times a week. At this meeting, senior nurses are able to ensure that full investigations have started and include immediate statements. The Trust is pleased to report that it continues to be on target to reduce the number of falls within the organisation.”

    Source location

    2019-0007-Response-by-Stockport-NHS-Trust
    Page 2 · response
    Published 23 May 2019

    Open published response
  10. Manchester North

    AI-generated summary

    Mr Gregory Rekowski · 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

    Mr Gregory Rekowski was detained under the Mental Health Act after being found trying to tie a ligature, discharged from hospital, and later posted “last goodbyes” on social media. He was found hanging at his home on 29 October 2017. The report identified concerns about delays, communication breakdowns, unclear responsibilities and procedures among Pennine Care NHS Trust, Greater Manchester Police and North West Ambulance Service, including the lack of a face-to-face assessment.

    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

    Insufficient investigation of deaths by NWAS

    Wider context from the report

    “In cases involving the engagement of Article 2 ECHR there is duty on agencies to investigate the circumstances of the death in order to learn lessons. There was little investigation conducted by NWAS in respect of this case. It was only through the evidence of NK the Court heard of the existence of the 111 telephone calls she had attempted to make and the information provided to her. In addition until the evidence of PR the Court had not been advised of the removal of the call from the allocation list and the decision made this could be triaged by urgent care. ”

    Source location

    Mr Gregory Rekowski · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

    Open source report
Back to top

Data last updated 7 September 2026