The HSSIB has the function of investigating incidents that—
occur in England during the provision of health care services, and
have or may have implications for the safety of patients.
The purpose of the investigations is to—
identify risks to the safety of patients, and
address those risks by facilitating the improvement of systems and practices in the provision of NHS services or other health care services in England.
In particular, where an investigation relates to an incident that did not occur during the provision of NHS services, the HSSIB must consider whether, in relation to any risks identified, the systems and practices in the provision of NHS services could be improved.
The purpose of the investigations does not include assessing or determining—
blame,
civil or criminal liability, or
whether action needs to be taken in respect of an individual by a regulatory body.
In this Part, an incident within subsection (1) is called a “qualifying incident”.