by Carly Cotton
The latest provisional data published by NHS England highlights 282 patient safety incidents recorded as Never Events between April and November 2025. Of these, 274 met the formal definition set out in the 2018 Never Events framework at the time of publication (5th January 2026), with eight incidents excluded following preliminary review.
What is a Never Event?
A Never Event is a serious, preventable incident such as surgery on the wrong site, administration of medication by the wrong route, and incorrect implants or prostheses.
April 2025 – November 2025
Between April and November 2025, July recorded the highest number of Never Events. Over this period, wrong site surgery occurred 116 times, retained objects such as swabs, wires, or instruments left inside patients were reported 73 times, and wrong implants or prostheses were recorded in 35 cases. These figures highlight recurring areas of patient harm despite existing safeguards.
Provisional Nature of the Data
It is important to remember that Never Events are initially designated at the point of reporting and may be reclassified following detailed investigation. The label provides a factual overview rather than a definitive finding of fault or liability.
Clinical Negligence
The 2025 data reinforces several key considerations for those assessing potential claims:
- Early specialist screening of potential Never Event cases remains essential.
- Differentiating between system failures and individual errors is often critical.
- Causation can be complex and may not be apparent from the initial designation alone.
- High-value surgical and medication cases frequently require coordinated, multi-disciplinary expert input.
The Role of Clinical Expert Witnesses
In Never Event and other clinical negligence cases, independent medical expert witnesses play a pivotal role. Experts provide clear, objective opinions on breach of duty, causation, prognosis, and rehabilitation, forming the backbone of litigation, mediation, or court proceedings. Their evidence helps distinguish between unavoidable complications and preventable errors, clarifies complex clinical pathways, and supports fair and accurate assessment of patient harm.
At McCollum Consultants, our network of leading consultants, surgeons, nurses, and allied health professionals delivers meticulous, high-quality medico-legal reports. They are regularly instructed in high-profile and complex cases, including wrong-site surgery, retained objects, implant errors, and medication mishaps, offering trusted clarity in the most challenging clinical negligence matters.
To instruct a McCollum Consultant expert witness, please contact:
t: +44 (0)161 218 0223
e: info@exp-w.com
Read the data in full here.