The Medical Negligence Blog
Start Your Claim
Worrying numbers of NHS ‘never events’
There have been some worrying numbers surrounding the volumes of so-called NHS ‘never events’ in recent times, and some of the instances are shocking.
NHS ‘never events’ are essentially serious errors and mistakes that should never happen because they should be completely preventable. They include things like the wrong body parts being operated on or removed, or the wrong areas inside the body being operated on. They also include incorrect surgeries and tools being left inside patients after procedures.
Recent data has suggested that there has been a worrying number of the so-called ‘never events’, which is a cause for concern.
Private ambulances putting patients at risk?
There has been a reported rise in the number of private ambulances in use, which is feared to be leaving patients at a greater risk of medical negligence.
It’s understood that chronic shortages are leading to many Trusts using private ambulances for 999 calls more and more. The spend on private vehicles is said to be increasing, with millions being spent in order to cover gaps in the service.
The worry is whether these private ambulances are up to the job, especially since recent studies suggests that they may not be.
Short appointment times a cause for concern
The limits that mean most patients must undergo short appointment times of less than 10 minutes are understood to be putting patients at risk and worrying doctors.
As lawyers who specialise in medical negligence, the risks are obvious to us, and they’re obvious to doctors as well. It can be easy for things to be missed when GPs are under pressure to wrap up their time with patients too early, meaning they don’t have the proper chance to ensure for a correct diagnosis and course of treatment.
If you, as a patient, end up suffering as a result of short appointment times, what can you do about it?
NHS cancer scans delayed over pensions problems
It’s reported that there are delays with NHS cancer scans being read that has stemmed from an ongoing pensions tax row that has led to some NHS staff limiting the amount of overtime they do.
In some cases, cancer scans are being left for weeks before being dealt with, which can leave patients vulnerable to cancer spreading and the development of compilations. One example reportedly saw turnaround times jump from one week to one month, and some patients have turned up to appointments for readings to be given when scans haven’t been dealt with at all, leading to wasted appointments.
At the centre of this ongoing dispute is the patients who are vulnerable to suffering more when turnaround times are impacted. For a matter as serious and as left threatening as cancer, something needs to be done.
Hernia mesh dangers: what can you do?
When it comes to hernia mesh dangers, we know the problems all too well as a firm of lawyers who are representing people claiming for compensation.
With the risk of patients suffering complications being as high as 30% in some instances, and when some of the problems that people can be left with can be hard to treat, there’s a cause for concern.
Hernia mesh devices continue to be used, although there’s growing scrutiny over their use as a result of rising number of problems and complications. If you have suffered as a result of being fitted with hernia mesh, what can you do?
Rising NHS delay compensation claims
We may see rising numbers of NHS delay compensation claims. Delayed treatment and delayed diagnosis are two of the most common types of medical negligence claims we represent people for, and a surge in these types of cases is a worry for all.
The fears of rising cases stems from recent findings published by the National Audit Office. They cited the issue that around 40% of medical negligence claims are for delayed diagnosis or treatment. Worryingly, they have also suggested that waiting time targets are still getting missed, and the problem is getting worse.
They said that the waiting list grew from 2.7 million to 4.2 million between 2013 and 2018 which shows the extent of the problem. This isn’t sustainable, and patient safety can be compromised when action isn’t taken quickly enough.
Xarelto compensation settlements for 25,000 cases
Rivaroxaban / Xarelto compensation settlements have landed in the U.S., to the tune of $775m for around 25,000 cases being pursued.
The money is to be paid out by both Bayer AG and Johnson & Johnson as the co-creators of the drug. They strenuously deny any wrongdoing, and maintain that the drug is safe for use. However, the settlements have been agreed without any admission of liability.
The blood-thinning medication that’s used for stroke patients has been at the centre of concerns for quite some time. We’re representing patients who have suffered side-effects from using the drug as part of claims for personal injury compensation. Although the settlement is for the U.S. only, this is a positive step in the global fight for justice.
New vaginal mesh guidelines criticised
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.
Breast cancer screening compensation
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.
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.
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.
Free prescription changes announced
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.