The SCA’s risk management objective is to advise and assist State authorities on the management of litigation risks to a best practice standard, in order to enhance the safety of employees, service users/patients and other third-parties and minimise the incidence of claims and the liabilities of the State.
The Agency utilises and promotes an integrated approach to risk and claims management as suggested by international best practice.
The “risk universe” indemnified by the State and managed by the SCA is extensive. For example, it includes over 200,000 State employees and all public healthcare service users (public healthcare has approximately 7 million contacts with members of the public per annum). It also includes public services that, by their nature, constitute higher risk activities such as the provision of clinical care in hospitals, Defence Forces personnel on operations overseas, members of An Garda Síochána on operational duty, customs inspections, emergency response services and custody of prisoners.
The personal injury and property damage risk management programme focuses on providing advice and support to State authorities and healthcare enterprises in relation to risk management structures, maintenance of buildings, fire safety, health and safety and environmental management. The Agency has a team of risk management professionals from science and engineering backgrounds and each Risk Manager manages a portfolio of client State authorities.
The SCA’s clinical risk management programme focuses on collaboration with risk managers and other personnel in healthcare enterprises to support patient safety. A multidisciplinary team of Clinical Risk Advisers has responsibility for providing advice and support to healthcare facilities within designated geographical and specialist areas, reflecting their individual experience and clinical backgrounds.
Specifically, the SCA provides a range of practical risk management services and advice including:
Each year, the SCA carries out targeted litigation risk management work programmes in association with client State authorities and healthcare enterprises. State authorities and healthcare enterprises who have actively engaged in SCA supported programmes have shown significant reduction in the numbers and costs of adverse events and a consequent reduction in the numbers and cost of the claims.
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