STATEMENTS…….. WHO’S DONE ONE!!??

REALITY…. RARELY NEEDED IN RESPONSE TO SOMEONE SAYING ‘YOU’VE DONE AN EXCELLENT JOB…WE NEED A STATEMENT IN RESPONSE!!’

A STATEMENT REQUEST……. DAUNTING SCARY LEARNING CURVE AM I IN TROUBLE!?

Evidence of accounts A formal account WHAT ARE STATEMENTS? Evidence of accounts A formal account

They can have different purposes As a professional Expert or a professional opinion As a witness Witness of fact v expert witness (opinion) Ordinary individual Bystander

Directly or Indirectly Responsible/Accountable Implicated As an involved person Directly or Indirectly Responsible/Accountable Implicated Under suspicion

WHY AND WHEN NEEDED? Many reasons……. Police statements/coroner’s court/inquest/witness statements/civil/criminal proceedings disciplinary/grievance hearing. For today ……….. Focus on Nursing/Midwifery/Medical If a patient/woman or family member make a complaint. Employer is obliged to investigate and staff may be required to write a statement.

If an untoward incident has occurred As part of a grievance or disciplinary investigation If there is a legal case * Midwives are required under the NMC THE CODE (2008) to co-operate with internal and external investigations’.*

IS IT YOUR FIRST STATEMENT!!?? DON’T PANIC! SEEK HELP & ADVICE….RCN, RCM, NMC,UNISON, COLLEAGUE, SHOP STEWARD DON’T RUSH IT!

STATEMENTS ARE IMPORTANT FOR INFORMATION GATHERING YOU COULD BE CHALLENGED ON IT’S CONTENT……IT COULD BE USED IN CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS OR DISCLOSED TO ALL PARTIES IN A DISCIPLINARY OR GRIEVANCE HEARING.

HOW TO WRITE ONE Always check if your trust has an agreed format to statement writing Include Full name qualifications (dates) status, band, employer address, length of employment at time of incident. Use the first person (e.g I) Your involvement ie nurse/midwife caring for patient or team leader

State purpose of statement i.e this is prepared at the request of…….. or I’ve been made aware (x) has made a complaint against the Trust. or I have a personal recollection in this client’s case. Relevant period of duty/shift i.e capacity/high activity/staffing levels

ALWAYS…. NO exceptions….EVER a FACTUAL narrative of your role in a consecutive and logical sequence AVOID OPINION!!!!!! **NO STATEMENT SHOULD BE WRITTEN FROM MEMORY**..… use the clients notes ALWAYS…. NO exceptions….EVER

… you should not be pressured to do a statement without the medical records. …your employer should give you adequate time to prepare & have your statement checked. …if you feel your practice or conduct is under investigation, speak to your union for advice Avoid jargon that a lay person would not understand. Include your comments on any allegations concerning your involvement made on behalf of the patient. Identify any other staff involved but keep patients’ & relatives’ identities anonymous

Conclude your involvement i.e care passed to another nurse/midwife. Number pages. Each page should have your signature and date. Sign at the immediate end of your statement on the last page, not at the end of the page.

POINTS TO NOTE * It isn’t advisable to refuse to make a statement, but you can insist on the time to seek professional advice and assistance for your local RCM/RCN steward or your supervisor of midwives * Ideally only submit your statement when you are satisfied with its content and your union steward has seen it.

*If you submit electronically ensure it is ‘read only’ or as a PFD so no one else can amend it. Also submit a paper copy. keep a copy yourself

Safeguarding court statements Statements are required for your involvement of an aspect/episode of care……..in contrast…. Court statements … if a safe guarding request to submit You will document ALL aspects of care whether involved or not! They are lengthy, time consuming, cannot refuse once you are identified to do one, the Trust can be fined if not done in the time frame. & there is a strict template to follow. Our safe guarding team will support you in its completion. You could be asked to court to discuss its content!

LASTLY

REMEMBER Be honest Be clear Be relevant Be factual

REMEMBER *avoid ambiguity *avoid opinion *avoid abbreviations

RCN RCM NMC UNISON COLLEAGUE …..can all assist you…..

THANKYOU ANY QUESTIONS DONNA BURNS RN DIP HE RM BSc LL DIp (law)