The Medical Negligence Blog
Start Your Claim
Mesh implant problems prompts NHS ban
We are very pleased to see that the NHS has finally put a ban on mesh operations as a result of continuing mesh implant problems.
Mesh implant problems have been known for a long time now, and the complications that patients can suffer from are often permanent and incredibly severe. There have been a number of investigations leading to the MHRA previously suggesting that the benefits outweighed the risks of the procedure, before the introduction of guidelines introduced by NICE (The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Now, there is a total pause on the procedures altogether in most cases.
We welcome the news as we have been advising people who have suffered mesh implant problems for years.
GP prescription problems could lead to deaths
Worsening NHS budget issues resulting in GP prescription problems could lead to deaths for those who rely on medication to survive.
There appears to be increasing numbers of stories about patients who are being denied the prescription drugs they need to stay well or even keep alive as a result of budget constraints, or cases where patients are having to wait longer or visit their surgery more frequently as numbers of drugs issued are reduced.
Is out-of-date medical equipment costing lives?
Concerns have been raised that out-of-date medical equipment may be costing lives as the issue of funding in the NHS continues to plague the UK.
According to data gleaned from a recent Freedom of Information request, it’s thought that there are potentially hundreds of x-ray machines being used past their use-by date, as well as hundreds of ultrasound machines that need replacing, and dozens of MRI machines and CT scanners still being used as well.
There are concerns that the vital equipment that’s needed to diagnosis and treat potentially life-threatening conditions is going to cost lives because of aging machinery.
Tribunal rules baby decapitated due to doctor error
A tribunal has ruled that a baby decapitated during childbirth was due to the doctor’s actions when a natural birth was chosen over an emergency caesarean section.
The senior gynaecologist in question, Dr Vaishnavy Laxman, reportedly attempted to carry out a natural birth despite the patient’s dilation not being sufficient. At the time of the incident, the patient was under general anaesthetic as Dr Laxman proceeded with the attempt at the natural birth.
As part of an ongoing tribunal, the panel chairman has reportedly found that the attempt to delivery the baby naturally was the cause of the incident.
Medical Negligence Solicitors – instruct a solicitor direct
If you need to make a claim for medical negligence compensation, you should instruct Medical Solicitors directly.
But, what does this mean?
A number of the ‘big name firms’ you see out there, including those who advertise on the TV with famous faces touting their services, are actually not lawyers at all. Many are actually claims management companies, or claims advice services; essentially middlemen who pass the claims over to solicitors when you can simply go direct.
We advise that you should always approach Medical Negligence Solicitors, and there are good reasons as to why you should.
Next generation of personalised cancer treatment on the horizon
It’s understood that the next generation of personalised cancer treatment is on the horizon after recent study results showed increased survival rates for incurable cancers.
Scientists and medical professionals have been using personalised methods to target genes for hard-to-treat tumours, and the results are said to have worked wonders.
Personalised cancer treatment is already a method used by the NHS for cancer patients, but Oncologists are now calling for cancer patients to receive this “next generation” of sequencing so they can identify the drug best suited to their individual needs as soon as possible.
The NHS deficit 2018 is reportedly double the planned deficit, which is more grim news for the struggling health services.
The combined deficit was planned to be at £460m, but it has ended up being £960m instead; almost double the deficit that was accounted for.
There remains a massive gap between the services we’re demanding and the affordability in place to provide those services. The hardworking NHS staff we rely on to provide us care when we need it simply do not have the resources to properly help us, and we find ourselves warning the government again that they must resolve the NHS funding crisis to avoid harm to patients.
Patients puts off as GPs being paid to prescribe statins
Patients are being put off amidst concerns over GPs being paid to prescribe statins. The potentially life-saving medication that can lower cholesterol to avoid heart attacks and strokes is often scrutinised by patients over financial incentives GPs reportedly receive for handing them out.
There’s apparently a widely-held belief among Brits that the statins they’re given aren’t needed because of GPs being paid to prescribe statins.
Is this just a case of mistrust over GPs being paid to prescribe statins, or should patients be worried about what they’re GPs are telling them to do?
Calls for inquiry into rising death rates in England and Wales
There are calls for an inquiry into rising death rates in England and Wales. According to recent research, there has been an additional 20,000 deaths at the start of 2018 that have gone without explanation.
In the midst of what many are still calling an NHS crisis over funding and staffing issues, the news of rising death rates doesn’t bode well.
The authors of the research are asking for an urgent investigation to explain why there has been a rise in death rates at the start of this year. According to the research, there doesn’t appear to be an obvious explanation for the deaths.
Gosport Hospital Deaths tragedy
The Gosport Hospital deaths scandal is an absolute tragedy. The independent inquiry that families have been calling for for decades has finally taken place, and the outcome is disturbing.
According to the independent report, some 450 Gosport Hospital deaths could have been avoided and have been directly linked to dangerous opioid-use policies where patients were subjected to constant dosages of diamorphine; also known as heroine.
Dr Jane Barton, a GP who worked at Gosport Hospital for 12 years, was found to have routinely overprescribed dangerous and life-shortening opioids to patients which has led to potentially hundreds of premature deaths.
NHS funding boost is not enough, senior healthcare experts warn
The NHS funding boost is not enough, senior healthcare experts warn.
Some 100 senior NHS doctors and nurses have written an open letter to the UK Prime Minister, Theresa May, to let her know that this hugely-anticipated NHS funding boost is simply not enough.
We’ve been calling for an NHS funding boost for a long time now, and although it’s good to see that the government has finally listened to reason and accepted that the NHS is stretched beyond its means, senior healthcare professionals are downplaying the announcement on the basis that more funds are still needed.
Staff shortages leaving patients in the hands of untrained Healthcare Assistants
Staff shortages are reportedly leaving patients in the hands of untrained Healthcare Assistants who are forced to step in and do the jobs of doctors and nurses without proper training and qualifications.
Healthcare Assistants are, of course, vital for the care of patients, and it’s certainly not their fault that they’re having to fill the gaps due to staff shortages. But this is very dangerous. Staff having to undertake the type of care that requires training and proper supervision is leaving patients in a vulnerable position, and it’s not fair on the Healthcare Assistants either.