Our commitment

Child Psychiatry Consultancy Ltd is committed to being open, honest, and transparent with patients, families, and carers at all times — and particularly when something goes wrong with care or treatment.

The statutory Duty of Candour (CQC Regulation 20) requires us to act in an open and transparent way in relation to care and treatment. This is a legal obligation and a core part of our values.

What this means in practice

We will always:

•       Tell patients and families as soon as reasonably possible when something has gone wrong with care or treatment

•       Provide a truthful account of what happened

•       Apologise clearly and without reservation where appropriate

•       Explain what we are doing or have done to prevent the same thing happening again

•       Offer to discuss what happened in person

•       Follow up in writing with the outcome of any review

What triggers the duty

The Duty of Candour applies when an unintended or unexpected event occurs that results in, or could result in, harm to a patient. This includes clinical errors, significant failures in care, or incidents where a patient receives treatment not intended for them.

How we respond to incidents

When a safety incident occurs, we will: identify and assess the level of harm; notify the patient and family within 10 working days; provide a verbal and written apology; conduct an internal review to understand what went wrong; share the findings with the patient and family; implement changes to prevent recurrence; and notify the CQC if required under statutory notification obligations.

Culture of openness

We are committed to an environment in which concerns can be raised freely and without fear. Dr Athina Zakynthinaki, as Registered Manager, takes personal responsibility for ensuring the Duty of Candour is upheld at all times.

Contact us

•       Email: complaints@childpsychiatry.uk

•       Post: Child Psychiatry Consultancy Ltd, 320 City Road, London, EC1V 2NZ