1. STATEMENTS…….. WHO’S DONE ONE!!??

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

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

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

5. 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

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

7. 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.

8. 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’.*

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

10. 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.

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. … 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

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. *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

18. 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!

19. LASTLY

20. REMEMBER
Be honest
Be clear
Be relevant
Be factual

21. REMEMBER
*avoid ambiguity
*avoid opinion
*avoid abbreviations

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

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