Medical Negligence Lawyers Express Concern Over St Helens CCG Proposals

The St Helens Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has proposed a temporary suspension of all non-essential hospital referrals for four months in a bid to allow it to come with expected increased demands for services over the winter months.

Expert medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell, who have represented individuals who have suffered long-term health problems and relatives of those who have lost loved ones due to delays in receiving medical treatment, have expressed concern over the proposed move.

Mark Havenhand, a Partner and expert medical negligence lawyer at Manchester-based law firm Irwin Mitchell, said:

Expert Opinion

“The proposal to stop all non-urgent operations by the St Helen’s CCG is obviously a real concern for patients. Medical issues can escalate very quickly if not treated in a timely manner and there may be some patients who suffer further health complications if this temporary halt is implemented.

“The safety of patients should always be the number one priority and there is understandably concern that any decision to halt operations could prevent patients accessing the treatment and care they need.

“It is absolutely imperative the resourcing problems at the St Helen’s CCG are addressed immediately and, if necessary, action is taken to prevent the halt of non-urgent procedures. It is also important that patients using the services are reassured that they will be able to access the healthcare that they need and that they will receive the level of care they are entitled to expect.” Mark Havenhand - Partner

The British Medical Association (BMA) said that "it cannot be right that the public will be effectively denied access to healthcare because the local CCG has run out of money" and called on the Government to intervene.

The proposal, along with another to put a two-year suspension on IVF services for patients aged under 37, is under public consultation until 5 October.