Department of Health

Website of the Department of Health

Please note that this website has a UK government access keys system.

You are here:

Memorandum of understanding: Investigating patient safety incidents involving unexpected death or serious untoward harm

A protocol for liaison and effective communications between the National Health Service, Association of Chief Police Officers and Health and Safety Executive.

  • Document type:
    Publication
  • Author:
    Department of Health; Association of Chief Police Officers; Health and Safety Executive
  • Published date:
    1 February 2006
  • Primary audience:
    Professionals
  • Publication format:
    Electronic only
  • Gateway reference:
    5499
  • Pages:
    31
  • Copyright holder:
    Crown

The purpose of this protocol is to promote effective working relationships between the National Health Service (NHS), Association of Chief Police Officers and Health & Safety Executive (HSE). The protocol will take effect in circumstances of unexpected death or serious untoward harm requiring investigation by the police, or the police and the HSE jointly.

The protocol sets out the general principles for the NHS, police and HSE to observe when liaising with one another. It focuses on investigations in NHS Trusts, although the principles and practices it promotes should apply to other locations where healthcare is provided and the NHS is required to investigate under its performance management and other duties. 

The protocol provides a framework for embarking on such liaison and is supplemented by detailed guidelines to the NHS. Police officers and HSE inspectors have their own guidelines.

Additional links

Ordering publications

Contact details for obtaining hard-copy DH publications.

Help viewing PDFs

Help viewing PDFs

Useful tips to ensure you get the most from PDFs and the free Reader program. Topics covered include accessibility, troubleshooting and searching files.

Additional Links

Access keys