The purpose of the reminder is to clarify across NHS Wales regarding the appropriate health-led response to Mental Health Homicide (MHH) cases, particularly in relation to the Single Unified Safeguarding Review (SUSR) process and Patient Safety Incident (PSI) management. The national reminder document is the expected internal and external processes when a mental health homicide occurs. This aims to clarify responsibilities and ensure alignment with statutory and procedural obligations.
The National Safeguarding Service and NHS Wales Performance and Assurance have jointly drafted the reminder document. The focus was to clarify:
• The continued need for internal health investigations.
• The interface between PSI and SUSR processes.
• The importance of early safeguarding advice and coordination with criminal investigations.
Engagement Through National Steering Group
Engagement and feedback have taken place with mental health colleagues through the Mental Health Patient Safety Programme National Steering Group, ensuring the reminder reflects national perspectives and operational realities across NHS Wales.
The MHHR SUSR PSI Reminder was developed, outlining:
• Definitions and criteria for MHHs.
• Reporting requirements (Datix, National Reportable Incident (NRI) and Early Warning Notification (EWN)).
• Parallel investigation processes.
• Family contact.
• Duty of Candour, commissioning and cross-boundary considerations.
• Clarification that SUSR does not replace internal health investigations.
• Emphasis on safeguarding leads’ crucial role.
• Inclusion of independent provider and regional care scenarios.
Intended Outcomes
• Improved quality, clarity and consistency in health-led responses to MHHs.
• Strengthened alignment between PSI, SUSR, safeguarding and criminal processes.
• Improved multi-agency working and understanding of roles and responsibilities
• Co-ordinated support for families and minimisation of procedural risks during criminal investigations.
REMINDER OF RESPONSIBILITIES IN RELATION TO MENTAL HEALTH HOMICIDE INCIDENTS IN NHS WALES
NODYN ATGOFFA O GYFRIFOLDEBAU MEWN PERTHYNAS Â LLADDIADAU IECHYD MEDDWL (MMHS) YN GIG CYMRU