Cumbria Northumberland Tyne Wear NHS Foundation Trust
NHS / Health Body
Action Taken
• The matter has been discussed with the staff member involved to ensure that there is clear understanding of expectations in the future. • The Trust has taken steps to further strengthen the relevant section of the Clinical Supervision Policy. • A Trust- wide Policy Alert, via email on 27th April (AI summary)
View full response
Dear Mr Cousins, Inquest into the death of Darren Robert Dickson Response to Regulation 28 Report; Prevent Future Deaths Response This response has been prepared by Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (“The Trust”) and addresses the concern highlighted by HM Coroner in the Regulation 28 Report dated 16 March 2026 following the investigation into the death of Darren Dickson. This response addresses the concern set out by HM Coroner in relation to the retention and non-destruction of records and sets out the work that has been undertaken to strengthen and communicate the guidance provided to staff regarding the retention of clinical supervision records. Coroners Concern HM Coroner remained concerned, following the inquest, about the retention and the non-destruction of records and considered that the Trust’s policy did not suitably address this. Trust Response As was heard in evidence at the inquest, the disposal/destruction of supervision records in this case occurred out-with expected policy guidance, which stated that comprehensive records of clinical supervision (originals and copies) should be kept for a minimum of three years, The matter has been discussed with the staff member involved to ensure that there is clear understanding of expectations in the future. In addition, in response to HM Coroner's concern, the Trust has taken steps to further strengthen the relevant section of the Clinical Supervision Policy (enclosed). Section Safer Care St Nicholas Hospital Jubilee Road Gosforth Tyne and Wear NE3 3XT
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11.2 of this policy now explicitly states that Clinical Supervision records should never be disposed of or destroyed before the minimum 3 year retention period has passed. A link to the national Records Management Code of Practice has also been embedded in this section of the policy for ease of reference. To bring this update to the attention of all staff, the Trust have also issued a Trust- wide Policy Alert, via email on 27th April 26, also enclosed. This alert summarised HM Coroner's concern from this case and highlighted the policy amendment. We hope that the information provided offers the necessary assurances that the Trust has acted in light of the concerns raised in this case.
2
11.2 of this policy now explicitly states that Clinical Supervision records should never be disposed of or destroyed before the minimum 3 year retention period has passed. A link to the national Records Management Code of Practice has also been embedded in this section of the policy for ease of reference. To bring this update to the attention of all staff, the Trust have also issued a Trust- wide Policy Alert, via email on 27th April 26, also enclosed. This alert summarised HM Coroner's concern from this case and highlighted the policy amendment. We hope that the information provided offers the necessary assurances that the Trust has acted in light of the concerns raised in this case.