Complaints handling must improve in UK trusts

Avoidable pressure ulcer rates in six acute UK Trusts

In 2013, Downie et al reported on results obtained from five acute UK Trusts (April 2012-March 2013) for all hospital-acquired category III–IV pressure ulcers (PUs) developed within these organisations. They described the reporting and validation methodology used by all five organisations to determine the avoidable or unavoidable status of their hospital-acquired category III–IV PUs. Prior to t...

The Business Case for Good Complaints Handling in Legal Services

Can primary care groups and trusts improve health?

1 Escobar JI, Rubio-Stipec M, Canino G, Karno M. Somatic symptom index (SSI): a new and abridged somatization construct. Prevalence and epidemiological correlates in two large community samples. J Nerv Ment Dis 1989;177:140-6. 2 Portegijs PJM, van der Horst FG, Proot IM, Kraan HF, Gunther NC, Knottnerus JA. Somatization in frequent attenders of general practice. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemi...

Clinical complaints and their handling: a time for change?

OBJECTIVES To assess the performance of the hospital complaints procedure for complaints proceeding to peer review and the quality of responses to complainants. DESIGN Retrospective study of data on clinical complaints proceeding to peer review during 1986-91 from clinical records, correspondence, reports of the complaints investigations, and expert review of written responses to complainants...

Standards of lithium monitoring in mental health trusts in the UK

BACKGROUND Lithium is a commonly prescribed drug with a narrow therapeutic index, and recognised adverse effects on the kidneys and thyroid. Clinical guidelines for the management of bipolar affective disorder published by The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommend checks of renal and thyroid function before lithium is prescribed. They further recommend that all ...