Legal obligations to report incidents

[brianfall]

Hello,

I'm writing up a hypothetical case at the minute where a baby displayed signs of foetal distress during labour, was delivered using forceps, and required CPR after being born. It responded but had severe hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy and later the decision was taken to withdraw care.

I'm writing up the legal/ethical aspects of the case. I've found loads of stuff about the legal and ethical side of obtaining consent for procedures and withdrawing care, but nothing yet on legal obligations ot report such an incident.

I'm guessing that such an incident would need to be reported. But at what stage? and who to? Do all hospitals have different systems in place for reporting incidents such as these or is there a uniform system in place?

Thanks in advance,
Brian

[iolaus]

Each unit will have critical incident forms for use investigate cases, also reported to CEMACH (I'm assuming babe died after treatment was withdrawn)

form available here http://www.cemach.org.uk/getdoc/dfbe...for-fetal.aspx

Most hospitals also review CTGs monthly in bad cases (or just interesting ones as well) that's in multidisciplinary meetings) discuss what else could have been done etc, any malpractice

[iolaus]

There's normally a clinical risk manager who each clinical incident would go in to. An unexpected death automatically would cause you to have to fill in one.

[brianfall]

thanks iolaus!