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Posted on 27th May 2025
Data released by NHS England has revealed the patient safety incidents reported across NHS Trusts.
Between January to March (Quarter 4 2024/25), there were 739,413 incidents reported.
What is a Patient Safety Incident?
All NHS Trusts are obliged to report any occurrence of a Patient Safety Incident, defined as: “Any unintended or unexpected incident that could have or did lead to harm for one or more patients receiving NHS-funded healthcare.”
Patient Safety Incidents encompass a wide range of errors, accidents, and unforeseen issues in patient care, including:
- Medication or prescription errors
- Pressure ulcers
- Medical device or equipment failures
- Surgical errors
- Falls and injuries
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnoses
Each incident is recorded against the level of harm caused, ranging from no harm through to death.
Breakdown of Patient Safety Events
The latest NHS data categorises patient safety events into four types:
| Event Type | Number of Events | Percentage |
| Incident | 800,714 | 96.78% |
| Good care | 12,035 | 1.45% |
| Risk | 9,824 | 1.19% |
| Outcome | 4,824 | 0.58% |
| Total | 827,397 | 100% |
Breakdown of Incidents by Harm
Patient safety incidents are further categorised based on the degree of harm caused:
| Maximum Level of Physical Harm | Count of Reported Incidents | Percentage |
| No harm | 473,069 | 63.98% |
| Low harm | 219,403 | 29.67% |
| Moderate harm | 38,078 | 5.15% |
| Severe harm | 4,055 | 0.55% |
| Fatal | 4,808 | 0.65% |
| Total | 739,413 | 100% |
Many incidents (93.65%) recorded low or no harm to patients, while fatal incidents accounted for 0.65% of recorded cases.
NHS Trusts with the Highest Incident Reports
While all NHS trusts aim to minimise patient safety incidents, some report higher numbers due to their size, patient volume, and service complexity. The following trusts recorded the highest number of incidents during this period:
| Organisation Name | Number of Incidents |
| Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust | 16,780 |
| University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust | 15,709 |
| Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust | 15,681 |
| University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust | 14,580 |
| Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust | 9,695 |
What This Means for Patients
While the NHS works tirelessly to improve patient safety, the data highlights that thousands of incidents still occur, some of which result in severe harm or even death. For patients and families affected by medical negligence, understanding their rights is crucial.
Jason Brady a partner at Blackwater Law, commented:
“While these reports demonstrate transparency within NHS Trusts, they also highlight the scale at which patient safety incidents occur. Behind these statistics are real individuals, potentially facing life-altering consequences for them and their families. These incidents can arise due to medical errors or negligence. At Blackwater Law, we are committed to ensuring that those affected receive the legal support they need to understand their rights and pursue fair outcomes.”
Considering a Claim for Medical Negligence
If you or a loved one has been affected by a patient safety incident, you may be entitled to compensation. Medical negligence claims can help cover the cost of ongoing treatment, loss of earnings, and the emotional distress caused by substandard care.
At Blackwater Law, we specialise in supporting patients who have suffered due to medical errors. Our expert team can assess your case and guide you through the claims process, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
If you believe you have been affected by medical negligence, contact Blackwater Law today for a free consultation.
