An NHS “Never Event” – is defined as a wholly preventable incident that should not have happened if NHS staff had followed specific guidance or safety recommendations. The Never Event list is regularly updated by the NHS and currently includes areas such as:
- Wrong-site surgery i.e. the wrong part of the body was operated on
- Foreign bodies left inside the body eg. swabs
- Failing to monitor oxygen levels
Because of the significance of Never Events, it is unlikely that the NHS would deny liability if a patient tried to claim compensation. However even if the NHS admits a breach of duty, causation must still be proven.
If you are considering suing the NHS for a Never Event, contact our specialist NHS claims solicitors who can assist you in obtaining compensation.
