New guidelines are being unveiled for doctors, nurses and midwives across the UK on being honest and open with patients when things go wrong.
Known as a “duty of candour”, the guidelines make clear that patients should expect a face-to-face apology. In April, the NHS introduced a rule that told NHS and private healthcare organisations to admit their mistakes candidly, and as soon as possible. Now the same rule is to be applied to individual medics.
Say Sorry
Detailed guidance makes clear staff should tell the patient as soon as possible when something has gone wrong, and what it might mean for their health. The guidance also makes clear that patients or their families should receive a face-to-face apology. For the avoidance of doubt, it even spells out words that such an apology might include, such as “I am sorry”. The guidance was drawn up by the General Medical Council and the Nursing and Midwifery Council and applies to more than 950,000 doctors, nurses and midwives working in the UK.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-33286601
Filed under: Hospital, NHS, NHS Blunders, apology, Doctors, Duty of Candour, Midwives, NHS, nurses