What is an Independent Investigation?

All providers of NHS funded services are required to be open and transparent with families and patients when things go wrong with their healthcare.

In April 2013 NHS England became responsible for commissioning independent investigations into homicides (sometimes referred to as mental health homicide reviews) that are committed by patients being treated for mental illness. The purpose of an independent investigation is to review thoroughly the care and treatment received by the patient so that the NHS can:

• Be clear about what – if anything – went wrong with the care of the patient
• Minimise the possibility of a re-occurrence of similar events
• Make recommendations for the delivery of health services in the future

An independent investigation is carried out separately from any police, legal and Coroner’s proceedings. It is done by an independent, expert organisation, which is given access to all the information and reports about the individual patient’s care and treatment (within the usual patient confidentiality rules), and who can also request interviews with any NHS staff involved.

To find out more about independent investigation reports visit the NHS England website here.

Published reports

To read any published reports please click here.