Overview

The Health Service Safety Investigations Bill establishes the Health Service Safety Investigations Body (HSSIB) in England. The HSSIB will investigate incidents in NHS services to identify safety risks and improve systems, without assigning blame or liability.

Description

The bill creates the HSSIB as a body corporate. Its main function is to investigate "qualifying incidents" (those with safety implications for patients) in NHS services, aiming to improve safety and systems without determining individual blame or liability. The HSSIB will publish criteria, principles, and processes for investigations, and will consult with the Secretary of State and others. The HSSIB will have powers to enter premises (excluding private dwellings), inspect documents and equipment, and require the provision of information, subject to safeguards (including legal professional privilege and data protection). The HSSIB’s reports will focus on identifying safety risks and making recommendations for improvement, without naming individuals without their consent. Disclosure of information gathered by the HSSIB is strictly limited, with exceptions for further investigation, safety risks, High Court orders, and disclosure to coroners. The bill also grants additional functions to the HSSIB, such as providing assistance to NHS bodies, and makes provisions for medical examiners and consequential amendments to other legislation.

Government Spending

The bill does not specify exact figures for government spending. However, it allows the Secretary of State to make payments to the HSSIB from money provided by Parliament, and the HSSIB may receive income from charges for services.

Groups Affected

• NHS Trusts and other providers of NHS services: Subject to HSSIB investigations and may be required to cooperate with the HSSIB.
• Patients and their families: May be involved in investigations and may be affected by the HSSIB’s reports.
• NHS staff: May be interviewed during investigations; their information will be protected from disclosure except in specified circumstances.
• Regulatory bodies: Will need to cooperate with the HSSIB where appropriate.
• Government: Responsible for funding the HSSIB and overseeing its performance.
• Coroners: Can require the HSSIB to disclose protected material in certain circumstances.

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