Reviews of Deaths in our care

Case note reviews are routinely carried out by NHS Trusts on a proportion of all deaths in order to learn, develop and improve healthcare, and also when a problem in care may be suspected. A case note review is where the NHS looks at the patient notes and other details that are available to review a patient’s death.

These reviews are carried out by a clinician who was not directly involved in the patient’s care, looking at each aspect of their treatment and how well it was provided. When a routine review finds any issues with a patient’s care, we contact their family to discuss this further.

We also carry out case note reviews when a significant concern is raised with us relating to the care we provided to a patient. It is considered a ‘significant concern’ when: • any concerns raised by the family cannot be answered at the time; • any concerns are not answered to the family’s satisfaction or answered in a way which does not reassure them.

This may happen when a death is sudden, unexpected, untoward or accidental. If this happens, it will be discussed how these findings are shared with you, including thorough checks as to whether we have permission to share this information with family or carers.

Apart from case note reviews, there are specific processes and procedures that Trusts need to follow if your loved one had a learning disability; is a child; died in a maternity setting; or as a result of a mental health related homicide. Should they be required, we will provide you with the specific details on these processes and if they will delay the funeral.