The Medical Negligence Blog
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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.
Conspiracies and closing ranks in the Gosport Hospital deaths scandal
A former health minster spoke out recently over conspiracies and closing ranks in the tragic Gosport Hospital deaths scandal.
Former health minister Normal Lamb spoke about the “systematic failures” and NHS “closing ranks” over the tragedy, as well as a “conspiracy to cover this up”. He suggested that both the NHS and Whitehall had refused to face up to the reality of the tragedy which has led to potentially hundreds of premature deaths.
The evidence in the investigations has found what appear to be clear opportunities to have avoided potentially hundreds of deaths. How were these opportunities missed?
Concerns over staggering numbers of children prescribed antidepressants
There’s a real concern over the staggering numbers of children prescribed antidepressants in the UK as use of the drug continues to increase.
It’s understood that the number of children prescribed antidepressants is now at more than 70,000. Of this figure, some 2,000 are understood to be children of primary school age.
We’re already in an era where doctors are thought to be overprescribing medication. A great deal of this has been linked to funding constraints. The result is that more people are using medication when alternative treatment could help them more. On top of that, some people are becoming addicted to medication. In the case of children, what about the long-term effects of drug use as well?
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.
Delayed cancer diagnosis compensation on the rise
Delayed cancer diagnosis compensation claims could be set to increase. Recent figures have shown some of the worst referral rates on records, leaving patients at risk.
As a result of the continual NHS funding crisis, staff shortages for cancer care is apparently commonplace. Very few departments can reportedly boast that they have enough staff to properly help people, and the problem is only going to get worse.
Adding on external factors that increase the demand for cancer care, there’s every reason why patients should be worried.
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.
You may be entitled to make a plastic surgeon compensation claim if the work you have had has not turned out to be as expected.
Plastic surgeon compensation cases can be difficult. This is why it’s vital that you instruct specialist medical negligence lawyers like us. Cosmetic procedures carry inherent risks, especially the more invasive procedures that many people are undergoing nowadays.
If you have suffered complications or you have ended up with an unexpected outcome, what are your rights?
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?
Cosmetic surgery compensation advice
If you need cosmetic surgery compensation advice, we can help you. This falls within the remit of our specialism for negligence cases we represent people for.
With the growing popularity of cosmetic surgery, a lack of regulation here in the UK means that people can be at risk. Some cosmetic procedures are incredibly invasive, and if they’re not carried out by someone with the right skills, people can suffer.
If you have suffered when something has gone wrong, you can speak to our lawyers for help and advice now. If we think we can help you, we can represent you for a cosmetic surgery compensation claim.
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.