The Medical Negligence Blog
Start Your Claim
Inquiry into NHS maternity racism allegations
We are concerned to note that an inquiry has recently opened up to investigate NHS maternity racism allegations, after data published in January raised concerns about the racial disparity of medical outcomes for pregnant women.
The study by MBRRACE-UK reportedly found that black women can be “four-times more likely” to die in childbirth or pregnancy than white women. Reports also indicated that women from Asian backgrounds could be twice as likely to be involved in a fatal outcome.
There are also broader concerns about the poorer medical treatment that pregnant women from ethnic minorities may be receiving from NHS professionals. The inquiry is set to look at how systemic racism manifests itself in maternity care.
Patients of breast surgeon Ian Paterson yet to be alerted to potential mistreatment
A guilty verdict and an independent review have not been enough to bring about justice for the patients of breast surgeon Ian Paterson. A recent report has revealed that hundreds of patients who came into contact with Paterson have yet to be contacted with regard to their potential mistreatment, which is a matter that must be quickly addressed.
With so many patients potentially still in limbo, it is unclear just how many victims may have fallen prey to Paterson’s malpractice. His behaviour involved harmful and often unnecessary procedures, leaving patients wounded and distressed in the aftermath.
Having worked as a breast surgeon for 14 years, there could (in theory) be many, many more patients who may be able to make a compensation claim. Where medical negligence can be proven, victims could be entitled to thousands of pounds in compensation. We always encourage anyone who believes that they may have been affected by negligence to come forward for free, no-obligation advice.
Urgent measures required at Basildon University Hospital maternity unit
Basildon University Hospital maternity ward has been investigated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) after an anonymous whistleblower raised concerns over patient safety.
The maternity unit, once rated as ‘outstanding’, was rated ‘inadequate’, and urgent measures have been required to get their standard of care back to a safe level.
The number of staff has been deemed unsafe and a deadline was issued by the CQC for Basildon University Hospital maternity unit to rectify and improve the levels of care patients have been receiving.
Outbreak of coronavirus causes 50% drop in lung cancer referrals
Following the outbreak of coronavirus in March, Cancer Research UK has revealed that lung cancer referrals have dropped by an astonishing 50% during the pandemic.
This statistic is a huge cause for concern given that lung cancer remains one of the deadliest forms of cancer, and early diagnosis is absolutely critical when it comes to the best chances of survival.
There are a number of different factors contributing to this shocking statistic, and one of the main ones is understood to be similarities between lung cancer and coronavirus symptoms. Both illnesses can cause a persistent cough, a lack of energy, and breathlessness. Patients with these symptoms could be assuming that it is simply a case of coronavirus and they may not visit their GP to check if it could be lung cancer.
Concerns over anti-depressants prescriptions for children
It has recently been revealed that the NHS has issued 1,572 anti-depressants prescriptions for children under the age of 5.
This statistic seems concerningly high for children of such a young age, and further research into the effects of anti-depressants on children has shown there could be little benefit, if any, of using the drugs.
The rising number of anti-depressants prescriptions for children could be a cause for concern, as they are usually only be prescribed under close supervision. It could mean there are less children who have access to specialist mental health services. The increased number of anti-depressant prescriptions for children could be a direct result of longer waiting times for these services.
Royal Derby Hospital Gynaecologist investigation advice
A Royal Derby Hospital Gynaecologist has recently been under investigation over potential, alleged cases of medical negligence up to June 2018.
The investigation has reportedly been looking into 272 former patients so far, with several potential cases of patients being ‘unnecessarily harmed’ during major surgery being put under further review. The surgeries being looked into are for serious matters including hysterectomies, prolapse repairs and ovary removals.
NHS England, which oversees care across the country, is conducting an external review of the consultant’s surgeries to establish the total number of patients who may require further investigation. The investigation looks to have been slightly delayed due to COVID-19, but the Royal Derby Hospital and NHS Trust have advised that all women who may need further investigation should be contacted by early October 2020.
NHS bed shortages and compensation
At this time of the year, we do need to discuss the issues surrounding bed shortages and compensation within the NHS.
We always seem to be set for “one of the coldest winters on record”, but whether that’s true or not, this is the time of the year when demand for the NHS usually rises. With the increased demand comes the issue of shortages across the board. When it comes to beds, this can be problematic in some cases.
We expect some delays when demand is higher, but that doesn’t mean patients should suffer anything that can be serious. If that happens, that’s when we may need to assess the situation to see what can be done about it.
In the winter months, there are always concerns over long hospital waiting times which can stem from shortages of beds and staff.
There’s usually an increase in the number of people who require care in colder months which is why the shortages can occur. Although some patients can wait for longer when it comes to non-urgent matters, the worry is when something more urgent is missed.
In some cases, a delayed diagnosis or delayed treatment can lead to complications. It’s these cases where this isn’t identified that can cause problems and lead to cases of negligence against the NHS.
Victims and families first in Shrewsbury and Telford maternity scandal
The focus of the inquiry into the recently unveiled Shrewsbury and Telford maternity scandal must ensure that the victims and their families are put first.
These are matters that have left permanent emotional scars on people’s lives, and the NHS must ensure that there is never a repeat of this kind of scandal ever again. Nothing can ever be done to undo what has happened, and people who should have been experiencing one of the happiest times of their lives have instead been left with permanent heartbreak.
Some form of justice must be achieved so there can be a form of closure for those affected, and changes must be made to ensure this never happens again.
A&E negligence solicitors’ advice
If you need our specialist advice as expert medical negligence solicitors when it comes to matters of A&E negligence, we can help you.
Winter is here, and we are potentially facing a rather cold one. The extra strain that the NHS will face is likely on its way if it’s not already here, and we may see bed shortages and longer waits in A&E. Whilst we know that it’s for the government to ensure that we have a fully functioning and properly funded healthcare service, patients cannot be allowed to suffer in silence.
When patients do suffer, lives can be turned upside down. And that’s where we come in.
Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust scandal advice
What is being called the “largest maternity scandal in NHS history” involving the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SATH) has hit the headlines this week.
We’re shocked and appalled by what we have seen, which appears to be a period of 40 years of negligent care and treatment that may involve as many as 600 cases of medical negligence. Leaked reports appear to have singled out at least 42 infant deaths and the deaths of three mothers, as well as outlining more than 50 cases of children being left with brain damage.
It appears that there has been substandard care across the board which may have resulted in dozens of deaths and cases of children being left with permanent and catastrophic injuries.
Private ambulances putting patients at risk?
There has been a reported rise in the number of private ambulances in use, which is feared to be leaving patients at a greater risk of medical negligence.
It’s understood that chronic shortages are leading to many Trusts using private ambulances for 999 calls more and more. The spend on private vehicles is said to be increasing, with millions being spent in order to cover gaps in the service.
The worry is whether these private ambulances are up to the job, especially since recent studies suggests that they may not be.