How do I report an incident?

Remember: Reporting incidents helps keep everyone safe and improves our service. Always report - never assume someone else will.

What Counts as an Incident?

Must be reported:

  • Injuries to clients, staff, or visitors
  • Medication errors
  • Falls or accidents
  • Equipment failure
  • Safeguarding concerns
  • Aggressive behavior
  • Property damage
  • Near misses that could have caused harm

Immediate Action for Serious Incidents

For serious incidents:

  1. Ensure safety - make area safe
  2. Get medical help if needed (999/NHS 111)
  3. Contact your manager immediately
  4. Preserve any evidence
  5. Complete incident form within 24 hours

How to Report an Incident

Online:

  • Use Concern Form on Staff Portal
  • Complete Incident Form if available
  • Submit as soon as possible after incident

By Phone:

Information to Include in Your Report

Essential details:

  • Date, time, and exact location
  • People involved (clients, staff, witnesses)
  • Detailed description of what happened
  • Injuries or damage caused
  • Immediate action taken
  • Environmental factors (wet floor, poor lighting, etc.)

Be factual, not judgmental:

✅ "Client slipped on wet floor in bathroom"

❌ "Client was careless and fell"

Reporting Timescales

Immediate (within 1 hour):

  • Serious injury or death
  • Safeguarding concerns
  • Police involvement
  • Major incidents

Same day (within 24 hours):

  • All other incidents
  • Medication errors
  • Equipment failures
  • Minor injuries

What Happens Next?

  1. Investigation - Manager will review and investigate
  2. Follow-up - You may be contacted for more information
  3. Learning - Lessons learned shared to prevent recurrence
  4. External reporting - Some incidents reported to CQC/authorities

When to Call Which Number

Number When to Use
999 Life-threatening emergencies
NHS 111 Medical advice needed
0114 376 7000 Office hours - any incident
07511 921777 Out of hours - serious incidents (SL & Comm)
07932 933325 Out of hours - serious incidents (Short Breaks)
0114 273 4908 Adult safeguarding concerns

Quick Contacts

Important Report all incidents, even if you think they're minor