Datix incidents related to 'Cost of Living'

Given the current rise in the cost of living, we want to make sure we keep people safe.  To do this, we need to record any impact on our patients.  We have now set up a new field on Datix called ‘Cost of Living’.  Please use this to record any incidents or harm which are due to the rise in the cost of living.    

For example, if a patient tells us:  

• They will miss an appointment because they can’t afford to travel or use a telephone.  
• They have not taken their medication because they can’t afford prescription costs.  
• They can’t afford to keep up with the cost of running vital equipment at home. (For example: home dialysis, nebulisers and home oxygen).  
• They have come to hospital because of the rise in the cost of living.  
• They are worried about going home due to cost of living concerns.  

Please also continue to use Datix for safeguarding referrals in the usual way.  You can find instructions on how to do this here.  For further advice and support, please contact the safeguarding team on 0191 5410555 or email stsft.safeguardingteam@nhs.net.