HC Skills putting patients first

HC Skills’ Anne Rhodes and Derek Hamill of law specialists Gilson Gray led a keynote presentation on medical devices and patient safety and how to avoid legalities associated with both at the Patient First Conference at London’s ExCeL last week.

The talk covered a range of topics, allowing delegates attending the session to gain a better understanding of:

1. How they should risk manage errors involving medical devices.
2. How to recover their own situation when devices go wrong.
3. Hospitals, the CE mark and patient safety.
4. Medical negligence and professional practice.

Delegates were told of their Duty of Care, Duty of Candour and Duty to Warn. In a world in which there is little or no time or budget for training, everyone must understand that it is a legal requirement for hospital staff and it underpins every role.

Training is part of your job and not a separate activity.

Patient safety is not negotiable and it is everyone’s priority. We are responsible for the safe and effective delivery of patient care.

So, how do you avoid claims of negligence as a result of negative events attributed to the incorrect use of medical devices or as a result of a disregard for patient safety?

Answer – get qualified.

Check out our Theatre Access and Hospital Access courses. Both are recognised as National Occupational Standards and conform to the highest industry and professional standards.