Recurring concern
Unreliable patient observation arrangements
- Reports that mention this concern
- 139
- Times this concern has been raised
- 174
- Stated actions linked to this concern
- 328
What this concern includes
Includes observation-level assessment, observation policies and support plans, staff allocation and reliable delivery of required intermittent or enhanced patient observations.
What is not included
- Condition-specific physiological or neurological monitoring
- Management auditing of observations where frontline observation arrangements are otherwise reliable
- Continuous eyesight or one-to-one observation where that dedicated control supplies a narrower parent
Trends
Reports over time
Reports mentioning this concern, 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.
Reports and published responses 139 reports
See individual reports that have raised this concern, and the actions taken in response
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Concerns raised1
Insufficient observation levels for patients in seclusion under the current policy
Linked response
- Department of Health and Social Care
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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Department of Health and Social Care
Constant observation is not always appropriate because it may be unnecessarily restrictive; the Code therefore retains its existing overall observation requirement.
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Concerns raised1
Failure to accurately calculate and use patient observation scores
This report raised 7 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Linked response
- Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust
Stated actions An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.1
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Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust
Replace PARS with NEWS, train Trust staff in NEWS scoring, provide an escalation guide and maintain refresher training as needed.
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Concerns raised2
Failure to formally record observation levels
Failure to record nurse allocation for observations
This report raised 4 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Linked response
- Devon Partnership NHS Trust
Stated actions 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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Devon Partnership NHS Trust
Retain Level 1 and 2 observation forms, allocation charts and shift planners for two years, uploading records when an observation incident occurs.
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Devon Partnership NHS Trust
Implement revised observation documentation with comment fields and a registered-nurse review and RiO progress-note update each shift.
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Devon Partnership NHS Trust
Issue guidance on the information expected in completed observation documentation.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.1
-
Devon Partnership NHS Trust
Storing intermittent observation forms for two years, with uploading only after incidents, is considered sufficient to enable future access when needed.
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Concerns raised1
Failure to carry out or record required nursing observations
This report raised 12 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Linked response
- Tameside General Hospital
Stated actions An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.1
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Tameside General Hospital
Replace the PARS observation system with NEWS, train staff, and provide a NEWS escalation and response guide.
-
Concerns raised1
Failure to carry out required overnight checks
This report raised 2 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Linked response
- Care Quality Commission
Stated actions An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.4
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Care Quality Commission
Carry out an unannounced responsive inspection of the care provider against safeguarding, risk, welfare and complaints requirements.
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Care Quality Commission
Adopt the Health and Social Care Act 2008 fundamental standards, including requirements concerning personalised, safe and competent care.
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Care Quality Commission
Develop inspection processes using longer team-based inspections, consistent key lines of enquiry and service ratings.
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Care Quality Commission
Ensure the coroner’s report is noted and informs the provider’s next ratings inspection, including examination of processes and training.
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Concerns raised1
Failure to observe and monitor in accordance with patients' needs
This report raised 4 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring 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 provide a designated and accountable system for carrying out and recording observations
This report raised 2 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Linked response
- Barons Park Nursing Home Ltd
Stated actions An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.4
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Barons Park Nursing Home Ltd
Review the observation policy against the concerns identified.
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Barons Park Nursing Home Ltd
Issue the revised observation policy to nursing staff.
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Barons Park Nursing Home Ltd
Implement observation and allocation record sheets defining responsibilities and review requirements.
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Barons Park Nursing Home Ltd
Monitor observation and allocation sheets through General Manager audits.
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Concerns raised1
Lack of records of observation levels and observing staff
This report raised 4 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Linked response
- Devon Partnership NHS Trust
Stated actions 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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Devon Partnership NHS Trust
Implement policy-based recording and staff allocation for heightened observation levels, including electronic records and hourly allocation charts.
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Devon Partnership NHS Trust
Audit monthly a random sample of patients on observation Levels 2–4 to verify recording in electronic records and staff allocation records.
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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Devon Partnership NHS Trust
Existing policies, standards and guidance address the concerns; new standards are not required, though further assurance actions will be implemented.
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Concerns raised2
Failure to recognise continuing constant-watch status after transfer
Flawed basis for observation-level assessment following information breakdown
This report raised 5 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring 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 age-appropriate observation guidance for children and adolescents in specialist mental health units
This report raised 2 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
No linked response statementsNo respondent-stated action or position is linked to these concerns in the published data.
Actions and positions describe what organisations say in published responses. Implementation is not independently verified.
Data last updated 7 September 2026