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Death in Prison Custody - Clinical Review Series

Part 6: Clinical reviews – key takeaways

Part 6: Clinical reviews – key takeaways

This article is part 6 in a series of pieces on clinical reviews in death in prison custody inquests. Part 5 is here.

Key takeaways for Heads of Healthcare involved in the Clinical Review process are as follows…

  1. Engage in the clinical review process at an early stage – this will enable the Clinical Reviewer to obtain a clear picture of the facts, reach fair conclusions and make reasonable recommendations.
  2. Prepare for interviews and ensure you review your interview transcript and correct the contents if necessary – this will not only assist the Clinical Reviewer and PPO with their report findings, but also ensures the Coroner has clear and accurate documentary evidence at inquest.
  3. Act on recommendations made by the PPO and Clinical Reviewer – this will ensure lesson learning takes place following a death in custody and patient safety is improved. It will also assist in providing reassurance to the Coroner that a Prevention of Future Deaths Report at inquest is not necessary

Hill Dickinson is one of the leading lawyers providing legal advice and support to national and international healthcare organisations. We have a wealth of knowledge and experience in handling complex cases involving NHS and Public Health authorities and the health and justice system. 

Our legal expertise spans across multiple NHS and public health sectors from mental health and social care, mental capacity, clinical negligence to inquiries and investigations. 

This article was co-authored by Lorna Warriner, RMN, Clinical Reviewer, on behalf of NHSE and HIW. 

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Elizabeth Wallace

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Elizabeth Wallace | Hill Dickinson

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