Duty of Candour Report 2019
All health and social care services in Scotland have a Duty of Candour. This is a legal requirement which means that when unintended or unexpected events happen that result in death or harm as defined by the Act, the people affected understand what has happened, receive an apology, and that organisations learn how to improve for the future. More information can be found at Organisational Duty of Candour Guidance
An important part of this duty is that we provide an annual report about how the Duty of Candour is implemented in our service. This short report describes how Pitcairn Practice has operated the Duty of Candour during the time between 1 April 2018 and 31 March 2019.
About Pitcairn Practice
Pitcairn Practice is a long established and successful Practice in the North East of Fife. The Practice area covers the rural populations of Leuchars, Balmullo, Guardbridge, Dairsie, St Michaels and beyond to some outlying villages.
It comprises of two surgeries; the main site, based in Balmullo, was purpose built in 2001. Balmullo is a small, discrete village five miles from the seaside and golfing town of St Andrews, and is within easy commuting distance of Dundee
Our branch site, based in Leuchars, was purpose built in 1992, designed to provide all aspects of family medicine in pleasant surroundings.
Our aim is to provide high quality care to every person who uses our services and where possible help people to receive care at home or in a homely setting.
How many incidents happened to which the Duty of Candour applies?
In the last year, there have been no incidents to which the Duty of Candour applied.
Information about our policies and procedures
Where something has happened that triggers the Duty of Candour, it is reported to the Practice Manager who has responsibility for ensuring that the Duty of Candour procedure is followed. The Practice Manager records the incident and reports as necessary to the Health Board.
When an incident happens, the Practice Manager, GP’s and staff set up a learning review, which allows everyone involved to review what happened and identify any necessary changes for the future.
New staff learn about the Duty of Candour at their induction, and regular updates are provided to all staff .
We know that serious mistakes can be distressing for staff as well as those people who use our service and their families. We have support in place for our staff if they have been affected by a Duty of Candour incident.
Other Information
This is the first year of the Duty of Candour being in operation and it has helped us to remember that people who use of service have a right to know when things go badly, as well as when they go well.
Marie Ferguson
Practice Manager
July 2019