FORTE AESTHETICS

DUTY OF CANDOUR – NEXT REVIEW  01 MARCH 2027 (OR AS APPLICABLE) – Catherine Myles

 

Policy Statement

Forte Aesthetics is committed to delivering high-quality, safe and person centred care.  We uphold openness, transparency and candour in accordance with the Health (Tobacco, Nicotine and Care) (Scotland) Act 2016 (The Act)and The Duty of Candour Procedure (Scotland)  Regulations 2018 (The Regulations) set out a new Duty of Candour in line with Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) guidance.

This policy outlines how we identify, respond to and learn from incidents that trigger the statutory Duty of Candour and how we report and communicate this publicly and meaningfully.

 

Scope

This policy applies to all staff (PP), contractors and clinical professionals at Torte Aesthetics and covers all services delivered.  It aligns with applicable legislation and regulatory guidance for iIndependent Healthcare Services in Scotland.

 

Definitions and Trigger Events

 

The Duty of Candour  applies when an unintended or unexpected incident occurs during healthcare provision that results in (or could have resulted in):

  • Death (not linked to natural progression of a condition)
  • Permanent lessening of bodily, sensory, motor or intellectual functions
  • Increased treatment to prevent death or serious harm
  • Structural Changes to the body
  • Impairment lasting > 28 days
  • Shortening of life expectancy
  • Significant psychological harm/distress lasting > 28 days
  • A requirement for intervention to prevent any of the above

 

 When an incident meets the threshold:

  • Notify the patient (or representative) within 10 working days
  • Apologise (verbally and in writing)
  • Explan the facts and provide an opportunity for questions
  • Offer a meeting (face to face or virtual)
  • Provide written documentation, updates and final reports
  • Signpost to Support Services (eg counselling, advocacy)
  • Record all communications/actions in patient records and the internal incident log
  • Review the incident (root cause analysis) and share learning

 

Openness And Transparency Principles

We promote a culture that encourages learning not blame.

Key Principles

  • Prompt acknowledgement and investigation of all incidents
  • Timely, truthful communication
  • Sincere, blame free apologies
  • Continuity of care and appropriate follow-up
  • Confidentiality and dignity for all involve
  • Cross disciplinary involvement
  • Sharing lessons through Clinical Governance

 

Support for Patients and Staff

For patients/carers:

  • Referral to alternative care where needed

For Staff:

  • Access to debriefing, clinical supervision
  • Employee Assistance and mental health support
  • Encouragement of open discussion in a supportive setting

 

Written Notification and Documentation

Written communication will include:

  • A factual description of what happened
  • A clear written apology
  • A summary of investigation findings
  • Contact information ns for further support

 

All correspondence is logged in the patient record and in the clinics incident reporting system.

Communication with Patients and Families

We will make all reasonable efforts to communicate with affected individuals.

If a patient declines to engage, this is documented and respected.  Conversations will be handled sensitively and patients will be given control over how they wish to receive information and support.

 

Training and Governance

All staff receive training on Duty of Candour responsibilities including how to:

  • Recognise trigger events
  • Communicate apologies effectively

 

Annual Reporting

Forte Aesthetics will prepare and publish an annual Duty of Candour report at the end of each financial year.  This report includes:

  • Number and nature of incidents
  • Description of incidents where the procedure was triggered
  • How the procedure was followed
  • Lessons learned
  • Improvements implemented
  • Training completed
  • Support provided to staff and patients
  • Any updates to policies/procedures

 

Availability:

The report will be published on Forte Beauty Clinic Website (under Forte Aesthetics) and made available in the Clinic (available on request).

Even if no incidents occurred, we will produce a brief report noting that, along with this training and preparedness updates.

Review of the Policy

This policy will e reviewed annually or sooner if there are changes to legislation, HIS guidance or internal procedure.

Guidance and Further Reading

  • Health (Tobacco, Nicotine etc and Care)(Scotland) Act 2016
  • Duty of Candour Procedure (Scotland) Regulations 2018