Patient Safety Specialists

The NHS Patient Safety strategy includes the requirement to appoint Patient Safety Specialists (PSS). This is a key role within organisations who deliver NHS funded care. Currently there are 83 PSS recorded on the national database including Community Interest Companies, mental health providers, NHS providers and independent healthcare providers. Some organisations have more than one PSS in post. At the time of writing, 27 IHPN members have a Patient Safety Specialist as well as one in IHPN.  

At the IHPN National Patient Safety Specialist Conference in September 2024, over 50 members from 31 organisations heard from a wide range of national speakers on each of the 8 pillars of the PSS role including NHSE on LFPSE and fostering a safety culture. Members also heard from an independent mortality advisor and from IHPN members who shared their experiences as early adopters.