The NWJCC also stated that it had not formally consulted family members as representatives of adult patients capable of giving consent. Instead, it said concerns submitted by relatives were received and considered as part of wider information relating to quality, safety and clinical governance.
When asked whether it had verified the identities of those submitting concerns, the committee said it was satisfied that the individuals involved had familial relationships with patients, and that their submissions were considered “in good faith” alongside information from other sources.