The Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch (HSIB) has published a report looking at factors influencing the diagnosis of non accidental injuries in infants who visit emergency departments (ED) in England. Findings from an analysis of 10 serious incident reports include: there is no specific guidance for ED clinicians on the identification of suspected non-accidental injuries; delays in the availability of information about potential safeguarding concerns add to the pressures on ED staff when making decisions; and safeguarding teams are often located physically distant from EDs which can create a barrier to communication.
Read the report: Non-accidental injuries in infants attending the emergency department
Read the news story: A&E staff in England struggling to spot abuse cases in infants, says watchdog
Source: HSIB
Date: 13 April 2023
