Never events in the NHS

Never Events are preventable patient safety incidents that should not occur if all proper procedures are followed.

From a medical negligence claim perspective, Never Events are largely indefensible.

Never Events include incidents such as:

wrong site surgery
retained surgical instruments
misplacement of naso-gastric tubes

Although these events should not happen, recent data from the NHS shows that, between 1 April 2019 and 29 February 2020, a total of 435 Never Events occurred. These included:

218 instances of wrong site surgery
90 instances of retained foreign objects post-surgery
43 instances of the wrong implant/prosthesis being used
27 instances of unintentional connection of a patient requiring oxygen to an air flowmeter
21 instances of misplaced naso or oro gastric tubes
10 instances of wrong route administration of medication
6 instances of overdose of methotrexate for non-cancer treatment
6 instances of overdose of insulin due to abbreviations or incorrect device

The NHS publish provisional Never Events data every month.

Our Medical Negligence Solicitors offer free legal advice for victims of clinical or medical negligence. Most claims can be dealt with on a No Win No Fee basis.

Co-op values

It is part of the Co-op’s ethos and values to provide help and support in enforcing legal rights so as to prevent injustice. We will always strive to secure the best possible compensation and rehabilitation support for our clients.

Lines open until 5pm

0161 855 8358

We're open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

We are closed on bank holidays.

Request a callback

Your full name *

Your telephone number *

More options...

About Co-op Legal Services

As part of the largest Co-operative organisation in the UK, Co-op Legal Services works to ensure that our clients receive the best legal advice and support services available from our teams of personal injury and clinical negligence solicitors, legal executives and staff.

We are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and several of our Personal Injury Solicitors are members of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL).

Co-op Legal Services has over 600 staff working in different businesses with offices in Manchester, Bristol, Stratford-upon-Avon, Sheffield and London.