Comment on Press Association never events analysis

More than 1,000 NHS patients in England in the past four years have suffered from 'never events' according to analysis by the Press Association. Commenting on the new data, RCS President Clare Marx said:

“This data shows an unacceptable level of preventable mistakes are still happening in the NHS. While these cases are very rare, never should mean never. Learning from mistakes and using best practice and guidance to avoid such errors should be the priority of every medical and surgical team across the country.

"The NHS must continue to learn from these errors so we can become the safest healthcare system in the world.”

Notes to editors

The Royal College of Surgeons of England is a professional membership organisation and registered charity, which exists to advance surgical standards and improve patient care.

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