Harold Chapman
28 Nov 2017 · Coroner Julian Morris · London Inner (South)
The coroner's concerns
1. patient emails not viewed or responded to
“During the course of the inquest, the evidence revealed during his dealings with the Barts NHS Trust and, more specifically the lead consultants, emails were passed by Mr [name redacted] to the consultants. It became clear during the inquest that those emails were often not viewed and/or acted upon and as a result no response was received by the patient.”
2. inadequate patient communication handling
“Patient contact with medical professionals, not just hospital related, is an important part of modern medical practice.”
3. absence of communication guidelines
“Whilst this is a huge task, it would seem possible to come up with either National or local guidelines in respect of the use of all forms of communication between patients and their clinician (covering phone and emails).”
Responses
2017-0377-Response-by-Barts-Health-NHS-Trust.pdf ↗· Barts Health NHS Trust
Stated action
“The service has taken action following the conclusion of the investigation to improve practice. This has included development of a procedural document detailing requirements for SCD risk assessment and pathways for escalation to the MDT meeting; adherence to this document is being monitored via the audit process.”
2017-0377-Response-by-Department-of-Health.pdf ↗· Barts Health NHS Trust
Stated action · May 2016
“asp In May 2016, NHS England issued guidance for using email and text message for communicating with patients as part of the Accessible Information Standard. Although the guidance is intended to support the use of email and text message as part of communication with people who have a disability, impairment or sensory loss a Department of Health (in”
2017-0377-Response-by-Royal-Brompton-Harefield-NHS-Trust.pdf ↗· Brompton NHS Trust
Harold-Chapman-2017-0377B_Redacted.pdf ↗· Barts Health NHS Trust