The Health Service Executive (HSE) has confirmed that over 109,300 adverse incidents were reported across Ireland’s public health system last year, including 497 classified as extreme and 158 deemed major in severity.
According to newly released data, 469 deaths were recorded among the reported incidents, with 160 of those believed to be suicides. The figures were disclosed in response to a parliamentary question from Aontú Leader Peadar Tóibín, while additional death data was sourced by RTÉ News.
Despite the large number of reported events, 81,323 incidents were considered negligible, with many involving near misses, falls, medication errors, and pressure ulcers. The HSE emphasised that most incidents led to no harm or only minor harm, and that increased reporting reflects a proactive safety culture rather than a surge in serious failings.
The percentage of fatal outcomes—at 0.6% of total incidents—was described by the HSE as being within international norms.
Extreme events are defined as incidents resulting in death, major permanent disability, or outcomes that affect large groups of patients or the public, including serious psychosocial impacts.
The HSE attributes the overall rise in reported incidents to encouraged transparency, saying it has spent years fostering a system where staff feel empowered to report all incidents, including minor ones and near misses.
The HSE said it remains committed to improving patient safety and transparency, encouraging ongoing incident reporting across all levels of the health service.
According to newly released data, 469 deaths were recorded among the reported incidents, with 160 of those believed to be suicides. The figures were disclosed in response to a parliamentary question from Aontú Leader Peadar Tóibín, while additional death data was sourced by RTÉ News.
Majority of Incidents Minor or Non-Harmful
Despite the large number of reported events, 81,323 incidents were considered negligible, with many involving near misses, falls, medication errors, and pressure ulcers. The HSE emphasised that most incidents led to no harm or only minor harm, and that increased reporting reflects a proactive safety culture rather than a surge in serious failings.
The percentage of fatal outcomes—at 0.6% of total incidents—was described by the HSE as being within international norms.
Decline in Extreme Cases, Rise in Overall Reporting
While the overall number of incidents rose slightly—up by 1,700 compared to 2023, when 107,628 cases were reported—the number of extreme incidents dropped from 548 in 2023 to 497 last year.Extreme events are defined as incidents resulting in death, major permanent disability, or outcomes that affect large groups of patients or the public, including serious psychosocial impacts.
The HSE attributes the overall rise in reported incidents to encouraged transparency, saying it has spent years fostering a system where staff feel empowered to report all incidents, including minor ones and near misses.
Incident Recording and Data Caveats
The figures were gathered from 25 acute hospitals using the National Incident Management System (NIMS), and cover incidents involving patients, staff, and visitors. However, the HSE cautioned that the data may contain duplications, reporting inconsistencies, and limited validation, due to the complexity of its recording systems.Context: Ireland's Healthcare Volume
In 2023, the HSE provided care for 1.8 million inpatients and day cases, recorded 1.4 million emergency department visits, and managed 3.6 million outpatient appointments.The HSE said it remains committed to improving patient safety and transparency, encouraging ongoing incident reporting across all levels of the health service.
