The Medical Negligence Blog
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Rising NHS delay compensation claims
We may see rising numbers of NHS delay compensation claims. Delayed treatment and delayed diagnosis are two of the most common types of medical negligence claims we represent people for, and a surge in these types of cases is a worry for all.
The fears of rising cases stems from recent findings published by the National Audit Office. They cited the issue that around 40% of medical negligence claims are for delayed diagnosis or treatment. Worryingly, they have also suggested that waiting time targets are still getting missed, and the problem is getting worse.
They said that the waiting list grew from 2.7 million to 4.2 million between 2013 and 2018 which shows the extent of the problem. This isn’t sustainable, and patient safety can be compromised when action isn’t taken quickly enough.
Sinister reasons for valsartan side effects?
Like all drugs, there can be inherent complications. However, there could be more sinister reasons behind certain valsartan side effects people may suffer from.
There’s been a huge Europe-wide recall of the blood pressure drug last year, which we covered last year. This stems from a potential contamination issue in the manufacturing process. As a result, valsartan that’s supplied by Actavis Group PTC (now Accord) and Dexcel Pharma Ltd is now subject to a recall.
The potential contamination issue could be incredibly serous for anyone that’s affected by it. In America, there are already class actions and group cases for people who have taken the drug. Our lawyers want to hear from anyone in the UK who has suffered problems.
Have you had NHS breast screening problems?
If you have been the victim of NHS breast screening problems, we may be able to help you. That’s for victims of last year’s scandal, and for those who have had issues generally.
Breast cancer screening is so, so important. It can be the difference between life and death in some cases. That’s why the huge NHS breast screening problems from last year’s IT glitch was so serious. And that’s why we have launched legal action for victims of the issue that have placed their claim with us.
If you have had problems and ended up suffering as a result, you may be entitled to make a claim for medical negligence compensation.
Claim Oculentis compensation today
If you’ve yet to initiate your Oculentis compensation claim with us, you should contact us as soon as you possibly can.
Any patient suffering with opacification (blind spots / cloudiness in the vision) may be entitled to thousands of pounds in damages. As a result of calcification that could stem from the use of a cleaning agent that was once used in the manufacturing process, a recall was initiated for Lentis foldable Intraocular lenses. If you’ve been fitted with the affected lenses and you’re suffering problems, we may be able to help you.
Hundreds are affected by this ongoing issue, with symptoms not presenting themselves in some cases until more than five years after the initial surgery. We may be able to represent you for an Ocuentis compensation claim on a No Win, No Fee basis.
NHS staff shortages putting patients in danger
The prospect of increasing NHS staff shortages faced in England could put patients in danger and lead to increased cases of medical negligence.
The BMJ recently warned that there could be NHS staff shortages approaching the quarter of a million mark by 2030. The NHS has been warned by a range of leading experts that they need to improve staff recruitment and retention, or face worsening staff shortages.
A paper says that shortages in England could increase from the current figure of 100,000 to a staggering 250,000 in the next 12 years. The inability to attract and retain skilled employees from abroad could make this figure even worse.
Poor systems lead to medical negligence cases
Poor systems can lead to instances of medical negligence cases. With the NHS still in the midst of funding problems, they’re being left behind.
Technology is great. It has helped industries to become far more efficient, and this includes the NHS. However, the continual funding “crisis” as some have labelled it is starting to cause problems. As a result of a lack of funding and investment, the NHS is getting left behind. Their systems and technology is outdated, and this is causing problems.
Ultimately, there’s a risk of medical negligence cases that arise out of the lack of up-to-date systems and tech.
Crackdown on hospital staff bullying incidents a welcome move
We welcome the move for a crackdown on hospital staff bullying incidents, as alarming figures have revealed the extent of bullying within the NHS.
At a time when NHS funding is already a problem, and the economy remains in an uncertain position because of Brexit, we need an efficient public health service. It’s therefore incredibly concerning to hear about alarming statistics over the extent of hospital staff bullying incidents that are going on.
A crackdown is now set to come into effect where hospital bosses will be held accountable – and even sacked – for failing to deal with bullying in the NHS.
HPV vaccine reduces cervical cancer
It’s understood that the HPV vaccine reduces cervical cancer, with a decrease of 86% seen in women aged between 16 to 21.
The recent government reports states that vaccinations to defend against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) 16 and 18 infections is working. These infections are known to cause the majority of cervical cancer cases.
The information published over the summer in the Journal of Infectious Diseases is welcome news. The data suggest that the HPV vaccination programme will lead to significant reductions in cervical cancer cases arising in the future.
Gosport Hospital scandal: an avoidable tragedy
The Gosport Hospital scandal was avoidable given the information that has come to light as part of the Gosport Independent Panel reports.
Nurses as far back as 1988 – 30 years ago – reportedly raised the alarm over drugs being prescribed to patients. The powerful diamorphine that was given to patients by Dr Jane Barton has said to have contributed toward a number of deaths.
Despite warnings being raised by staff with managers and unions, there was a failure to act. The report by the Panel concluded that Dr Barton was responsible for some 656 deaths between the 1980’s and 2001.
Is cancer patient care leading to increased suicide risk?
Issues over the quality of cancer patient care is a real issue right now. But is there a link to increased risks of suicide that’s caused by inadequate care?
A recent government study found that cancer patients can be at an increased risk of suicide. The increased risk may be as high as 20%.
It sounds feasible to link cancer patients to an increased risk of suicide given what they have to go through. But when we’re seeing more and more issues arising over inadequate cancer patient care and funding constraints, is there a link?
NHS patients denied hip and knee replacements
NHS patients are increasingly being denied hip and knee replacements as a result of funding issues, leaving people at risk of complications and mobility problems.
According to a British Medical Journal study, patients are being denied hip and knee replacements more and more, with refusals increasing by 45% when compared to the previous year.
These restrictions on procedures are a damning reflection of the continuing NHS funding problems that are only going to leave patients more vulnerable to complications and prolonged mobility problems, which in turn could see a rise in cases of negligence.
Shropshire baby deaths review widened
Last year’s investigation into the tragic Shropshire baby deaths is to be widened as the number of cases has increased from 23 to over 40.
The investigation that was launched last year into the quality of care at a Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust maternity unit has been looking into a lack of staff and a lack of a learning couture to prevent incidents, with a number of the Shropshire baby deaths cases being linked to negligence.
Infant deaths, maternal deaths and brain injuries are among the problems that have been linked to poor quality of care within the Trust.