Medical Negligence

On 26 March 2018, Southern Health NHS Trust was fined £2 million over the death of two vulnerable patients in its care, which the Trust admitted were “both preventable and should not have occurred”. We take a look at the history to the case as well as the regulatory investigations that led to a prosecution of the NHS Trust in the criminal court and a significant fine being imposed.

Paul Rumley reacts to the news that the NHS will begin to use AI to diagnose heart conditions this summer.

According to a report released last month, painful side effects and complications mean around 1 in 15 women fitted with trans-vaginal mesh support will need to have it removed. Ben Lees takes a look at the Mesh Oversight Group Report, and what it means for trans-vaginal mesh procedures.

Partner, Paul Rumley, considers whether we have seen an end to claims for accommodation costs for severely disabled clients.

Ben Lees writes about the vital work of the charity SANDS and why we are supporting their awareness campaign this month.

Ellie Roberts looks at the appalling offences of Breast Surgeon, Mr Paterson, and the difficulties now facing his victims as they seek to obtain compensation for their injuries.

In her latest blog, Lucy Crawford considers the issue of antibiotic resistance and how ants may hold the key to medical advances in this area.

Diabetes is one of the most prevalent diseases in the UK and those suffering from it often have to implement a strict ongoing regime to manage their condition. This blog takes a look at research currently being conducted in China that could be the start of a revolution in the way diabetes is treated.

Lucy Norton considers the many consequences of medical misdiagnosis following the recent news of a criminal prosecution case of suspected Shaken Baby Syndrome being stopped after it was discovered the baby girl actually had a rare medical condition.

Partner, Paul Rumley, considers the discount rate consultation and why it is so important to those who recover compensation following a claim for clinical negligence.

Sophia Courtaux writes about a condition called giant cell arteritis which is reported to damage the sight of about 3,000 patients every year in the UK, and steps that have been taken by the NHS to ensure prompt diagnosis of the condition and limit sight loss.

Ali Cloak considers the recent report published by Cardiff University which reviewed all patient safety incidents involving children over a ten year period, particularly those involving the NHS 111 telephone service, and whether the service is providing safe patient care.

Joanna Jenkins considers the current ‘crisis’ conditions in the NHS and the recent comments made by Sir Robert Francis QC.

For many people the law surrounding medical negligence is unfamiliar territory, and understandably so. A key part of any claim is establishing what lawyers refer to as ‘causation’ – here we explore what this means and why it’s so important.

Judith Leach considers the background to the ‘golden hour’ of emergency treatment provided to patients at the scene following trauma, and the importance of the decision making process during this time.

Joachim Stanley considers the recently published report by the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities which has concluded that the UK is in violation of disability rights.

Solicitor Lucy Crawford writes about recent research suggesting a possible link between the contraceptive pill and depression.

Judith Leach was recently reading about an exciting new development in the treatment of Alzheimers.

Solicitor Bhavesh Patel considers reports of recent developments designed to diagnose potentially life threatening brain injuries earlier.

Kerstin Kubiak considers the Department of Health’s nationwide sepsis awareness campaign, following world sepsis day which took place on 13th September 2016.

A blog considering recent news reports that hundreds of thousands of patients have been potentially misdiagnosed in terms of their risk of heart disease and heart attack, and also initially misdiagnosed following a heart attack.

Hannah Blackwell considers current proposals to try and ensure patients safety lessons are learnt from litigated clinical negligence cases.

Lucy Crawford considers recent research on the benefits of taking aspirin early following a Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) in relation to preventing major stroke and reducing the effects of stroke.

A blog considering a new leaflet providing accessible and key information for patients of their rights regarding the statutory ‘duty of candour’ when things have gone wrong with NHS medical treatment.

Paul Rumley examines how far the Court will let you go, in terms of expert evidence, in looking at all of the possible consequences arising from clinical negligence, including whether or not you can have your own expert or if you have to instruct an expert jointly with the Defendant.