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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.
What to do when you receive cancer treatment too late
Receiving vital, life-saving cancer treatment too late really can mean the difference between life and death, and it can be devastating when patients aren’t provided with care quickly enough.
That’s why we’re incredibly alarmed to hear the recent news that the NHS is seeing some of the worst figures on record when it comes to treatment times for cancer. Recent figures indicate that a quarter of patients aren’t receiving treatment in accordance with the targets set by the NHS. A lot of this may well be down to the increased pressure of more people coming forward for checks, and a lack of funding for cancer care across the board isn’t helping as well.
As a patient who has cancer treatment too late, what can you do, and what are your rights?
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.
New vaginal mesh guidelines criticised
The new vaginal mesh guidelines that have been put in place following last year’s widespread pause in the NHS have come under heavy criticism already.
All we can say is that we know just how bad it can be for the women whose vaginal mesh procedures fail. We see the impact it has on people when lives can be turned upside down, with complications leaving some women unable to walk or work ever again. We act for women who have suffered horrendous problems, and some complications simply cannot be resolved.
The 2018 NHS pause was a step in the right direction, but the continued use of mesh slings and tapes remains a serious concern.
The Bard mesh recall has not only come into immediate effect, it also comes with the company ceasing production in the European market as well.
C.R. Bard (Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD)) say they’re stopping production of their mesh devices that have been used to treat POP (pelvic organ prolapse) and SUI (stress urinary incontinence).
Announced this month, the recall has been triggered with immediate effect, and healthcare organisations are being directed to take action right away.