Policy News - 3 June 2021

The following policies have recently been ratified by the Trust’s Policy Committee.   Please take the time to review those which may be relevant to your role.  

Mortality Review and Learning from Deaths Policy

The Mortality Review and Learning from Deaths Policy has been revised and aligns the mortality review processes across South Tyneside and Sunderland.

In March 2017, the National Quality Board published the first edition of the ‘National Guidance on Learning from Deaths’, a framework for the NHS on how it could improve identifying, reporting, investigating and learning from deaths in care. One of the key requirements for Trusts was to publish a policy on how it responds to, and learns from, deaths of patients who die under its management and care.  

The policy provides a consistent and coordinated framework for the review of deaths in the Trust, which maximises learning and improvement of care. The two-stage review process and the mechanism for documenting the outcomes within MEDITECH V6 have been amended. There is now a specific focus on action points and lessons learnt which will enhance internal and external Trust mortality reporting. Whilst the review methodology is designed to be used in all adult in-hospital deaths, the policy references other well-established processes for specific patient groups to help guide local mortality reviews and investigations.                                

The policy also reflects the recent implementation of the Medical Examiner system which provides improved scrutiny of all deaths not investigated by the coroner and will help to improve the accuracy of death documentation and certification. Other material changes in the policy include clarity on key roles and responsibilities within the mortality review process and additional clinical criteria for triggering the ‘independent’ Stage 2 mortality review. 

The mortality review process will continue to be monitored by the Mortality Review Group which is chaired by the Medical Director and has representation from GPs and Commissioners.  

View policy

Job Evaluation Policy

The purpose of this policy is to provide a framework on the job matching/evaluation processes in order to ensure that posts and staff are dealt with in an equitable manner.  As job evaluation outcomes are ultimately derived from a full and accurate description of the job, successful outcomes are dependent on the submission of high quality, current and accurate job descriptions.   The policy also provides managers with detailed information and guidance to enable them to offer comprehensive support and advice to any member of their staff who requests their banding to be reviewed.  The policy applies to all posts that fall within the scope of Agenda for Change terms and conditions of service, whether substantive, fixed term or temporary, ensuring equal pay for work of equal value.

View policy

Employee Lease Car Policy

The Trust operates a lease car scheme which is open to all eligible employees.  The purpose of the scheme is to provide transport to employees as a benefit of employment with the Trust.    Under the scheme cars are provided on a contract hire agreement for an agreed period, typically three years. Cars are covered by fully comprehensive insurance, breakdown and recovery services and accident management. Routine servicing, maintenance and repairs are also included within the scheme.

The scheme terms and conditions apply to all employees who use a Trust lease car, for both private and work use.

The Employee Lease Car Policy is effective for all lease car applications approved on or after its publication (01 06 21).  Prior to this date the lease car scheme was covered by the former Trusts’ lease car policies. 

View policy