Risk Management Case Study

As highlighted by our risk register for the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow, the misplacement of pathology samples is high on the list of risks identified by the register. Risk management is a continuous, 24 hour process which is an important part of any organization. Identifying risks is the first stage and perhaps the most important stage of the risk management process as if there is a failure to identify any risks, the essential steps by those managing risks cannot be taken. Risk identification of contamination of pathology samples ranks low on the list of risks associated with the hospital however, the consequences of an event happening are rated severe and rightly so. Relating to risk control, there are several ways in which

If a member of staff isn’t trained to the sufficient standards required, this presents immediate danger to those on the receiving end of their care. Recent research from the Institute of Healthcare Management (IHM) showed that just over three quarters (78%) of managers surveyed in the healthcare sector believe patient care is at risk due to a lack of proper staff training. (2012) . Controlling this risk is clearly vital and can be done in several ways. Firstly, the hospital can review and monitor the level of staff’s expertise and knowledge by putting in place monthly testing system, which challenge employee’s ability to demonstrate the correct level of knowledge required to perform the job. Alternatively, staff training days could be organized for frequently which require employees to participate in training exercises to demonstrate practical and theoretical abilities to perform the roles associated with the job. For this level of risk control to be implemented management need to be proactive and seek to advance with changes in technology and organizational demands. Upon successful implementation of risk management controls, the likelihood of risks associated to the safety of patients should