10/10/2012

10,000 Reports Of Violence Against Patients In 2011

Almost 10,000 incidents of violence, harassment, aggression or abuse against patients were reported in 2011, new data published yesterday showed.

And a bill of €81 million was paid out under the clinical negligence scheme by the State Claims Agency following adverse incidents last year.

Data collected from 700 hospitals and community-based healthcare facilities who used an anonymous adverse events reporting system, also showed more than 27,000 incidents of slips, trips and falls.

The published figures were:

• 7,402 reports of patients falling from beds, cots or chairs

• 6,633 reports of medication errors

• 4,315 reports of physical assault against patients

• 3,945 reports of mistakes with patients’ records or documentation

• 2,726 reports of patient absconsion

• 1,555 reports of delays or failures to treat

Dr Phillip Crowley, HSE national director of quality and patient safety, said healthcare organisations with a high level of reporting of adverse events had a better patient safety profile than those that report less.

(H/GK)


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