Sir, – It seems to take up to a decade to identify the causes of some serious or fatal medical occurrences. This places patients at unnecessary risk. The medical world could surely learn from civil aviation where safety is also the core value. Civil aviation accidents are independently investigated with the objective of preventing accidents by identifying causal factors, making recommendations to mitigate unacceptable risks and communicating the lessons learned. A mandatory occurrence reporting system aimed at improving safety also operates. A report is required if a dangerous situation occurred or could occur in the future if the situation being reported is not corrected. The person making the report is not subject to punitive action unless the unsafe act is deliberate or gross negligence is demonstrated. The lessons learned need to be implemented as soon as possible. – Yours, etc,
CYRIL McNAMEE,
Greystones, Co Wicklow.