Closing date for review of clinical records as part of the Neurology Deceased Patient Review
Date published:
The Department of Health has issued a reminder that 31 December 2024 is the closing date for families who wish to have their deceased family member’s clinical records reviewed as part of the Neurology Deceased Patient Review (DPR).
On 3 July 2024, the Health Minister announced the commencement a further phase of the Neurology Deceased Patient Review (Phase Three). This Phase comprises 18 families which have approached the RQIA and confirmed that they wish to proceed with an Expert Review in relation to a deceased family member.
Further to the 18 families within Phase Three, a six-month period was provided for any additional families who are interested in having their deceased family member’s clinical records reviewed to contact the RQIA to explore involvement in the process. That period concludes on 31 December 2024.
The RQIA will engage with any affected family who makes contact by this date. Following this process, the Department of Health and the RQIA will clarify next steps for this stage of the Neurology Deceased Patients’ Review.
Families can contact the RQIA by:
• Freephone number 0800 052 0012 between 10am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, to speak to a member of the Family Liaison Team;
• Emailing an enquiry to: expert.review@rqia.org.uk; or
• Filling in an online form on the RQIA website and a member of staff will be in touch.
The RQIA Family Liaison Team will engage with families to understand: their wishes, needs and concerns; whether their deceased relative’s case is likely to fall within the scope of the Expert Review of Records of Deceased Patients; and to provide information on the Expert Review of Records of Deceased Patients to date.
The Family Liaison Team will ensure that families interested in participating in a clinical record review process, are fully informed about the nature of the process, the potential benefits, and the potential for adverse impact. The RQIA will identify families who wish to proceed with a clinical record review process, will remain in regular contact with families and will ensure families are aware of how to access counselling and advocacy support.
Notes to editors:
1. Report on the Expert Review of Records of Deceased Patients (Neurology), November 2022: https://www.rqia.org.uk/neurology-review/neurology/neurology-key-documents/key-documents/report-on-the-expert-review-of-records-of-deceased/
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