NHS left drill bits in patients as trusts reveal 407 never events

Incidents measured 'so serious' have been dubbed "never events" as the NHS records an increasing number of alleged screw ups. Wire cutters and drill bits are among the handful of objects recorded as having been left inside patients by mistake at NHS hospitals.

The NHS has defined 'never events' as "serious, largely preventable patient safety incidents that should not occur if healthcare providers have implemented existing national guidance or safety recommendations".

In early 2021 NHS in England recorded 364 "never events" which has worryingly increased to 407 from April 2021 to March 2022. Amongst these incidents were 98 cases of objects, such as a scalpel blade, which were left inside a patient after a procedure.

Included in the list of objects left in patients were a pair of wire cutters, part of a drill bit, the bolt from surgical forceps, and vaginal swabs.

"While these events are extremely rare, and NHS staff are working hard to provide safe care to patients, it is important that events are reported and learned from so they can be prevented in the future," a spokesperson from the NHS said.

171 cases of operations/surgery carried out on the wrong body part, side, and patient were reported.

Other incidents included a woman who wanted to conserve her ovaries but had them removed. Injections to the wrong eye, wrong blood transfused, hip implants undergone on the wrong side, incorrect knee implants, and patients who were connected to air instead of oxygen.

The Department of Health and Social Care said: "Patient safety is a top priority for the government and these unfortunate events – although very rare – can have a serious physical and psychological impact on patients. We are implementing the NHS Patient Safety Strategy, backed by record investment, which is designed to support staff to provide safe care and learn lessons".

The data recorded shows a difference in reporting errors between NHS trusts as Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust only reported a total of 11 serious incidents. 

The Johnson Partnership

Derby Crime Solicitors