Ellie Long
18 Mar 2019 · Coroner Jacqueline Lake · Norfolk
This report repeats 1 earlier warning. See the linked reports.
The coroner's concerns
1. incomplete electronic records and delayed disclosure
“Not all records were properly recorded on Lorenzo. Further, personal handwritten notes were made of some meetings which were not then reflected in the electronic records. Some of these notes only came to light during the inquest hearing. It is, of course, imperative that all staff recognise their obligations in respect of keeping full and contemporaneous electronic records and that full disclosure of all relevant documents is made in a timely fashion before the inquest commences. This avoids”
2. failure to maintain ongoing communication with GP
“An initial full, updating letter was sent to [the deceased]'s GP. However no further updating information was sent. A letter was written providing updating information, but this was not sent. No further updating information was sent to the GP by telephone, letter or email.”
3. inadequate communication with school
“The evidence heard is that efforts were made to contact the school by telephone. However, the school had no record of any such calls. There is no evidence of email or written correspondence or further telephone calls in an effort to communicate with the school.”
4. inadequate information sharing with external agencies
“It is accepted by the Trust that sharing of relevant information is necessary. NSFT has indicated it will”
Linked reports
Closely relatedConfidence 0.85 · high
Earlier report
“there is no automated notification to a patient's GP of the type and amounts of prescription medicines issued to a patient upon discharge from Woodlands”
This report
“An initial full, updating letter was sent to [the deceased]'s GP. However no further updating information was sent.”
Responses
2019-0090-Response-by-Norfolk-and-Suffolk-NHS-Trust.pdf ↗· Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust
Stated action
“The Trust is taking the following actions which are anticipated to assist in bringing consistent and sustained improvement. All clinical services have been instructed to review their working practice in respect of record keeping and communication with partner agencies. Responsibility for this rests with the operational managers who will provide assurance of the actions taken to drive improvement.”