David Griffiths
31 Jan 2017 · Coroner Philip Spinney · South Wales Central
The coroner's concerns
1. lack of protocols and training for intercostal drain insertion
“The evidence revealed that there were no local cardiothoracic department protocols that were available to guide the insertion of intercostal drains and no specific training given to new medical and nursing staff.”
2. absence of real time ultrasound guidance for chest drain insertion
“The British Thoracic Society Guidelines strongly support the use of real time ultrasound guidance when inserting chest drains for fluid.”
3. lack of ultrasound training and governance for practitioners
“Consideration should be given to an ultrasound training programme and governance structure for all practitioners who are responsible for the insertion on intercostal drains.”