Adverse incidents are events which effect the health and safety of patients or service users, equipment users or operators, or other persons. Local issues may have implications for others and by sharing advice and lessons learned, we help healthcare and local authority staff deliver patient / client care more safely.
NHSScotland staff have a responsibility to report adverse incidents involving, health, social care, estates and facilities equipment as instructed in CEL 43 (2009) (pdf). Local Authorities should report adverse incidents involving health and social care equipment only.
Staff should be encouraged to report adverse incidents so that they can be handled positively, e.g. defective equipment put right, training reviewed, instructions for use improved or maintenance increased. Click here for further information on how to report an adverse incident.