Early signs are that NHS London's new approach to conducting mental health homicides is helping clinicians and managers review their own practices in a more critical way.
Sharing skills
Under the new system being piloted, Verita's senior consultant Tariq Hussain leads and provides project management for investigations conducted by teams of clinicians and managers seconded from mental health trusts across London.
One of the nurse consultants taking part in the pilot reports: "Since the start Tariq has communicated with me and, from what I can see, others efficiently, professionally and politely. I have been included and consulted on all aspects. Verita's administration is also excellent and every effort has been made to ensure I have what I need.
"From the beginning, as you would expect, there has been a real effort to cater to family needs for information and inclusion."
Trusts also benefit from having staff involved as they learn about good investigative processes. NHS London benefits from lower costs as clinicians and managers are seconded for an agreed number of days for each investigation.