Guernsey Press

Falls deaths: 'no need for external investigation'

NO EXTERNAL investigations have taken place into the deaths of two patients, Health & Social Care has confirmed, as it outlined the measures taken to reduce the number of falls at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital.

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The committee was speaking after the death of two islanders last summer – both of whom suffered fatal head injuries during a fall.

It said all falls that occurred while a service user was in its care were investigated using its internal investigation process.

If, following this process, concerns were identified, an external investigation would be undertaken.

But the committee said external investigations were not required for either of these cases.

'In addition, no staff have been subject to investigations by their regulatory bodies,' a spokesman said.

All 'lessons learnt and actions arising' from its internal investigations were shared with the relevant parties, including families, the committee said.

HSC's governance team also carried out compliance audits on a regular basis to ensure all actions arising from investigations were implemented.

'One of HSC's priorities is to reduce the number of falls by promoting safe mobility in our services,' said the spokesman.

'Focusing on the reduction of falls means that people can be safe in their own homes as well as in our services.

'The balance clinic works with others, including the community teams and occupational therapists, to promote safe mobility, both at home and in the hospital. HSC is focusing on a preventive service rather than a reactive service.'

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