The Medical Negligence Blog
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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.
Compensation claims for hernia mesh problems
If you’re suffering with hernia mesh problems, you may be able to make a claim for personal injury compensation on a No Win, No Fee basis.
We’ve taken on a number of claims recently given the news that the number of people suffering problems can be as high as 30%. As a firm of lawyers who are also involved in vaginal mesh litigation, we know how troublesome these kinds of medical devices can be.
The important thing to know is that you should never suffer in silence if you’re suffering with hernia mesh complications. We may be able to help you, and you may be eligible to make a claim for 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.
Claim hernia mesh compensation today
Our specialist medical negligence lawyers can help you claim for hernia mesh compensation today on a No Win, No Fee basis.
We’re already acting for a number of victims who have suffered hernia problems and have asked us to help them claim. With some people suffering permanent and severe complications caused by hernia mesh issues, claiming is important. When something goes wrong, we believe victims should be entitled to justice.
It’s also important to know that you should start your claim as soon as possible to avoid missing important deadlines to claim!
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.
Recall in relation to valsartan cancer risk
There’s been a recall during the summer over valsartan cancer risks that have been identified. A recall has been triggered by regulators.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has been involved in the recall process. The recall has been triggered over impurities originating from the manufacturing process in China. The impurities are understood to be linked to cancer.
Patients using heart medications that contain valsartan are being asked to speak to their doctor or pharmacist ASAP.
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.