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.

NHS bed shortages and compensation

When we look at the usual bed shortages and compensation claims that can arise from such scenarios, we need to assess whether any negligence has occurred.

We expect some delays in the winter months as increased demand stretches already limited resources. Having to wait longer to be seen and wait longer for a bed can be expected; but what about if a serious event occurs?

Even where there are shortages, patients need to be treated on the basis of whether urgent care is required. Staff must therefore ensure that there are no instances where someone who needs urgent care is missed. If that happens, that’s the kind of scenario we may need to look at when it comes to a medical negligence claim for compensation.

What do you claim for?

When it comes to how we approach bed shortages and compensation claims, we need to have first established that you have been the victim of negligence. If we have done that, what you claim for can then come down to how you have suffered as a result of the shortages.

Normally, these kinds of cases lead to delayed diagnosis or delayed treatment (or both). It can sometimes also come down to an immediate misdiagnosis which means you’re not treated as quickly as you ought to have been. For these scenarios, people normally claim for any further pain, suffering and loss of amenity caused that could have been avoided if you were treated more urgently. You may also be able to claim for any losses and expenses that arise as well.

In many cases, delays may cause serious complications, and those are the times when we may be able to take a claim forward for you.

Assessing a claim

For us to be able to assess a potential medical negligence claim that arises from bed shortages and whether you are entitled to compensation, it’s best to speak to our team.

With these events, we must normally assess matters carefully on a case-by-case basis. If we think that we may be able to establish negligence and believe that you have a valid claim for damages, we can offer to represent you on a No Win, No Fee basis.

Feel free to speak to our team today by calling the office on 0800 634 75 75 and we can offer you our initial advice and claims assessment on a free and no-obligation basis.