Quality

We have a proactive approach to the management of risk and potential uncertainty to:

• Protect individuals from the risk of infection, disease and illness

• Protect individuals from the risk of adverse clinical occurrences

• Protect individuals and property from the risk of accidents, incidents and dangerous occurrences

• Protect individuals and property from loss or theft

• Comply with Health and Safety regulations, identify, assess and protect individuals and property from related risks including Fire Authority requirements

• Comply with Environmental regulations, identify, assess and protect individuals and property from related risks including waste management for both clinical and non clinical waste

• Provide training to all site personnel to minimise risks and to effectively implement contingency plans in the case of emergencies and incidents.

As part of our risk management process, we use SENTINEL, an accident and incident software system, facilitated by the completion of SENTINEL incident report forms. Through the accurate completion of these forms and data entry into the system, we track, trend and analyse accidents and incidents likely to occur or that have occurred. This identifies areas of practice that require corrective actions, additional training or further risk management initiatives to eliminate or reduce future risks.

From this system data is provided to each unit on its performance and to support the benchmarking of best practice. This is a continuing process throughout the organisation that is facilitated by the Group Risk Management Committee.

Health and Safety, environmental engineering and catering audits are also carried out on a regular basis in all units. Findings are collated and control measures documented, prioritised and implemented.

Risk Management is co-ordinated and supported by the following corporate Groups:

• Group Risk Management Committee

• Group Health and Safety Committee

• Compliance and Assurance Committee

• Quality and Risk Management Functional Group