The Medical Negligence Blog
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Key info about making a transvaginal mesh claim
We wanted to put out some key information for those thinking about making a transvaginal mesh claim for compensation where action has yet to be launched.
We know that the thought of legal proceedings can be scary. The thought of having to instruct a law firm can be worrying.
Can you claim? Will you win? Is it really No Win, No Fee?
To put your mind at ease, this article is designed to cover some key information about what you need to do and what you need to know. It’s important to consider your options sooner rather than later because of the multiple deadlines that can occur in cases like this.
Medical Negligence for cancer waiting times
Medical negligence for cancer waiting times could be set to rise with news of worsening problems for patients waiting for treatment.
Figures from last year revealed some disturbing facts about the issues for cancer waiting times for the NHS in England. Although this isn’t a blight on the incredibly hardworking staff who are fighting an uphill battle against a lack of staff and resources, patients are at risk of harm.
It’s important to recognise the risks faced by patients. Increased risks ultimately mean the likelihood for the need for medical negligence claims rising. When it comes to a matter a serious as cancer, something needs to be done.
Can you claim for organ removal?
Can you claim for organ removal if the procedure was done by accident, or where the organ was removed due to a surgical error?
You can claim for claim for organ removal where there’s medical negligence involved. Although it’s rare, it can happen. There have been incidents where organs have been mistaken for tumours, or where they’re removed due to incidental damage during a procedure.
Surgery comes with inherent risks. That being said, patients should not expect to suffer as a result of an error by a medical professional.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.