The Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) has taken a significant step towards addressing a concerning issue after implementing a new electronic system to track and analyze patient mortality data. This move comes after a critical report last year exposed gaps in the trust’s ability to provide accurate information on patient deaths, raising concerns among campaigners and the public.
The new system, which became operational on 1 November, aims to enhance the trust’s ability to record and monitor deaths in a more consistent and reliable manner. According to the latest data collected under this system, 15 patients were reported to have died from causes categorized as “unnatural and unexpected” between November and January. This revelation has sparked further debate and scrutiny, with Mark Harrison from the Campaign to Save Mental Health Services in Norfolk and Suffolk describing the number as “shocking.”
Concerns surrounding the trust’s mortality figures were further highlighted by an independent review conducted by auditors Grant Thornton, which uncovered discrepancies in the overall numbers of deaths recorded due to a lack of standardized systems. The report also revealed that over 8,000 mental health patients had died unexpectedly in Norfolk and Suffolk between 2019 and 2022, casting a shadow of doubt over the trust’s ability to accurately report and analyze such data.
Campaigners have been vocal about their concerns, with claims of over 1,000 avoidable deaths at the trust in recent years. These allegations have fueled calls for greater transparency and accountability within the organization, as well as the need for improved patient safety measures.
In response to these challenges, Caroline Donovan, the chief executive of NSFT, has emphasized the trust’s commitment to prioritizing the collection, analysis, and reporting of mortality data. She highlighted the collaboration with service users, carers, and bereaved families to gather valuable insights on how to enhance the reporting process.
The implementation of the new electronic system marks a significant milestone in the trust’s efforts to address the shortcomings in its mortality data management. However, ongoing scrutiny and calls for greater transparency underscore the importance of continuous improvement and accountability in ensuring the safety and well-being of mental health patients in Norfolk and Suffolk.
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