The Medical Negligence Blog
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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.
Poor systems lead to medical negligence cases
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.
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.
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?
Concerns over staggering numbers of children prescribed antidepressants
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?