Tag: nhs

New vaginal mesh guidelines criticised

pelvic mesh inquiry

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.

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Breast cancer screening compensation

consultant negligence

You can find out if you’re eligible for breast cancer screening compensation today by contacting our team. We offer No Win, No Fee representation.

You may recall the horrifying discovery of the breast cancer screening “cover-up” from last May. We’ve launched legal action over this particular issue, although we can help you claim as well if you have been the victim of an incident involving breast screening.

The breast cancer screening compensation action is just one of the legal actions we’re helping people claim for right now. You may be able to claim as well.

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Medical Negligence for cancer waiting times

NHS

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.

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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.

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Free prescription changes announced

pharmacy

In a bid to save some £265m a year, there are set to be free prescription changes to stamp out abuse of the system.

The aim of the changes are to tackle fraudulent free prescriptions that could be wasting millions in valuable resources. From patients not entitled to free prescriptions, to some pharmacists and dentists receiving payments for phantom procedures, it’s an issue that needs resolving.

As the NHS continues to struggle with underfunding, a lack of resources and staff shortages, we can’t have any avoidable waste in the system.

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Poor systems lead to medical negligence cases

NHS technology

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.

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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.

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Conspiracies and closing ranks in the Gosport Hospital deaths scandal

drugs issues

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?

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Concerns over staggering numbers of children prescribed antidepressants

drugs

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?

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Gosport Hospital scandal: an avoidable tragedy

care laws

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.

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Is cancer patient care leading to increased suicide risk?

depression

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?

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NHS patients denied hip and knee replacements

surgery negligence

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.

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