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Care fears over avoidable deaths Care fears over avoidable deaths
(about 9 hours later)
Poor communication between staff, faulty equipment and a lack of skills have all contributed to the avoidable deaths of patients, a report says.Poor communication between staff, faulty equipment and a lack of skills have all contributed to the avoidable deaths of patients, a report says.
The National Patient Safety Agency found some staff failed to make checks while others did not to realise their patient's condition was worsening.The National Patient Safety Agency found some staff failed to make checks while others did not to realise their patient's condition was worsening.
Hospital staff were also criticised for having poor resuscitation knowledge.Hospital staff were also criticised for having poor resuscitation knowledge.
The watchdog's warning comes as the NHS gets new advice on caring for acutely ill patients.The watchdog's warning comes as the NHS gets new advice on caring for acutely ill patients.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), which advises the NHS on which treatments to use, is due to publish new guidelines on managing patients' sudden deterioration. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), which advises the NHS on which treatments to use, has just published new guidelines on managing patients' sudden deterioration.
Every preventable death is a tragedy, not only for the family but for the staff involved Professor Richard Thomson, of the NPSAEvery preventable death is a tragedy, not only for the family but for the staff involved Professor Richard Thomson, of the NPSA
Every year about 13m people are admitted to acute hospitals in England and Wales.Every year about 13m people are admitted to acute hospitals in England and Wales.
Experts at the watchdog analysed 1,804 serious incidents reported to it that resulted in death in 2005.Experts at the watchdog analysed 1,804 serious incidents reported to it that resulted in death in 2005.
Some 576 deaths were highlighted as being potentially avoidable, 425 of which occurred in acute or general hospitals.Some 576 deaths were highlighted as being potentially avoidable, 425 of which occurred in acute or general hospitals.
Of those, 71 related to diagnostic errors, 64 related to incidents where a patient's deterioration was not recognised or acted upon and 43 involved problems with resuscitation after cardiac arrest.Of those, 71 related to diagnostic errors, 64 related to incidents where a patient's deterioration was not recognised or acted upon and 43 involved problems with resuscitation after cardiac arrest.
The other deaths relate to a wide variety of issues including medication error, suicide and still birth.The other deaths relate to a wide variety of issues including medication error, suicide and still birth.
ConcernsConcerns
Among the deaths involving resuscitation, the study found that many suggested that "medical and nursing staff did not have the depth of knowledge and skills required."Among the deaths involving resuscitation, the study found that many suggested that "medical and nursing staff did not have the depth of knowledge and skills required."
Professor Richard Thomson, the NPSA's director of epidemiology and research, said: "These are not new concerns but more effort is needed to recognise and act upon them.Professor Richard Thomson, the NPSA's director of epidemiology and research, said: "These are not new concerns but more effort is needed to recognise and act upon them.
"Every preventable death is a tragedy, not only for the family but for the staff involved."Every preventable death is a tragedy, not only for the family but for the staff involved.
"This report, alongside the NICE guideline, recommends actions that can improve the quality and safety of care of acutely ill patients.""This report, alongside the NICE guideline, recommends actions that can improve the quality and safety of care of acutely ill patients."
Dr Mary Armitage, of Royal College of Physicians, said she hoped the warnings would lead to an improvement in care.Dr Mary Armitage, of Royal College of Physicians, said she hoped the warnings would lead to an improvement in care.
"A meticulous and ongoing review of a patient's condition is an essential part of safe and effective clinical care and should be standard practice in all acute care environments.""A meticulous and ongoing review of a patient's condition is an essential part of safe and effective clinical care and should be standard practice in all acute care environments."