Brian Whittle MSP has welcomed an announcement by Healthcare Improvement Scotland that it will introduce a new national framework for reporting and reviewing adverse events following his campaign with a constituent.
Fraser Morton, a father whose son died during childbirth at Crosshouse hospital in 2015, contacted Brian seeking help to tackle the failures that had contributed to the death of his son. NHS Ayrshire & Arran apologised to Mr Morton and his partner, saying that the death had been “tragic and unnecessary”, but Fraser was determined to ensure changes were made to prevent other families going through what his did.
The campaign has seen Brian and Fraser meeting with top figures in NHS Ayrshire & Arran, two Scottish Health Secretaries and participate in discussions with Healthcare Improvement Scotland, to push for all NHS boards to take a consistent approach to the reporting and recording of serious events where patients are harmed.
Last year a review found that there were inconsistencies in how different health boards reported these cases. This made it far harder to identify potential issues and ensure boards learned from each other’s mistakes.
Now Healthcare Improvement Scotland, the national body responsible for delivering better quality health and social care across the country has announced a new national framework for adverse events reporting and review.
Brian Whittle MSP said:
“I’m delighted that all Fraser Morton’s hard work has paid off. Having worked alongside him for more than 3 years, I know how much time and effort he has put in to fighting for change. His knowledge of the detail of existing policy and clear understanding about what was needed has delivered real change across Scotland’s health boards and will very probably help to save lives in the future.
It has been my privilege to work with him on this campaign and I’m proud to have played a small part in making the NHS safer for everyone.”
