Lessons Must Be Learnt To Reduce Risks Of Similar Problems In Future

Specialist medical negligence lawyers say that more must be done to learn lessons from the rising number of mistakes made by the NHS which can have a life-changing impact on those patients affected.

Reports in the Daily Mail quote data released by NHS Digital which has revealed that between 2005 and 2015, the number of attendances by patients caused by an "unintentional cut, puncture, perforation or haemorrhage during surgical and medical care" rose from 2,193 to 6,082.

While a need for more transparency and better reporting could be contributory factors, charities and health organisations, including AvMA (Action Against Medical Accidents), have also flagged inadequate staffing and increased pressure at work as potential factors.

Expert Opinion

“The vast majority of NHS care, including surgery, goes ahead without any problems and lives are saved on a daily basis. However the number of incidents causing problems has risen and they can have a major impact on patients’ lives. In the worst case scenario mistakes during surgery can be fatal or cause serious long term injuries for those affected.

“More needs to be done to learn lessons from the mistakes made and so reduce the risks of more people being affected by similar incidents in future. Time and time again we see the same issues appearing up and down the country and it is important that information on incidents of medical negligence are shared throughout the NHS." Lisa Jordan - Partner

Lawyers also said that the NHSLA which handles claims on behalf of the NHS could do more to accept responsibility in clear cut cases earlier, saving the NHS money and the preventing the patient from delays in accessing justice.

Expert Opinion

“The Government is trying to encourage a new era of transparency but sadly we find that in too many clear cut medical negligence cases the NHSLA’s lawyers are denying liability for far too long before finally admitting responsibility late in the legal process, often forcing the patients affected to prepare for a full court trial.” Lisa Jordan - Partner

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in Medical Negligence Claims.