Trust Ignores Patient Safety: "Nothing to See" Attitude Found

An independent review has uncovered significant patient safety concerns at Medway NHS Foundation Trust, describing a "nothing to see" attitude among some staff. Board documents revealed that 113 patient safety incidents were closed without proper investigation, while another 428 cases remained open. The review also identified 59 instances where there was no, or insufficient, evidence that patients or their families were notified of safety incidents, contrary to the NHS duty of candour. Many of these cases were related to medicines management and emergency care services. The trust's chief nursing officer, Evonne Hunt, has accepted the review's findings. She stated that the trust has since enhanced its oversight, governance, and training protocols. Efforts are underway to address the backlog of investigations and ensure that all concerns are promptly investigated, with learning shared consistently. The trust is committed to implementing necessary changes to improve patient safety and the quality of care provided.