Central Alert System (CAS) Policy

Introduction

The Central Alerting System (CAS) is a web-based cascading system for issuing patient safety alerts, important public health messages and other safety critical information and guidance to the NHS and others, including independent providers of health and social care.

CAS is also used to send out emergency alerts (important public health messages - ‘CMO messaging’ and MHRA Drug Alerts and Dear Doctor Letters). These alerts can be issued out of normal office hours if required, and do not require a response on CAS. These alerts are not always the responsibility of CAS Liaison Officers but are instead emailed directly to senior NHS staff, including Trust Chief Executives and Medical Directors for onward cascade depending on locally agreed processes.

Purpose of this Policy

The purpose of this policy is to give comprehensive and clear guidance in the effective, systematic, auditable approach to the distribution and action requirements of alerts, notices and other communication concerning safety that have been issued via the Central Alerting System (CAS). The policy encompasses the processes required for the management of alerts issued via CAS. This is a Trust-wide policy which applies to all Divisions and services without any exceptions.

Policy Details

See also:

• Quality and Risk Management Strategy
• Risk Management Policy
• Medical Devices Training for Clinical Staff
• Medicines Management Policy
• Estates Operational Policy