Memorandum submitted by Victims' Voice (CJ 15)

 

 

Victims' Voice Trustees may wish to comment on some aspects of the above Bill and hope to do so during the Committee stage. I hope you will find this acceptable.

 

I am lead Trustee on coroner issues with Victims' Voice, a charity that deals with issues that affect suddenly bereaved people trying to cope with the Coroner Service and or the Criminal Justice System. Other Trustees may comment on coroner or justice issues.

 

Clause 17    Position of Nurses

 

We are concerned about the position nurses could be in if they think a death should be reported to the coroner, but it is not.  This Clause will place a duty on doctors, but no-one else, to report deaths which occur under circumstances stipulated in the Bill.  

 

The only way for a concerned nurse to draw the attention of the coroner to a death where negligence may have occurred, will be to become a whistle blower.  We believe this places a nurse in an unacceptable position.

 

It could also undermine the trust that bereaved relatives need to have in the nursing team if they feel that "ranks are being closed". If a nurse has a duty to report a death, the nurse's position is clear.

 

February 2009