Expert Calls For Action Following New Figures

Figures which highlight a rise in the number of complaints made about nurses must lead to action within the NHS, a clinical negligence expert at Irwin Mitchell has urged.

Research compiled by the Nursing and Midwifery Council revealed that nearly 3,000 complaints were put forward during 2009-10, which marked a 70 per cent rise from the number recorded in 2008-09.

According to the Daily Mail, issues raised in the complaints included nurses failing to offer a basic level of care, falling asleep on duty and also providing the wrong dosage of drugs to patients.

Irwin Mitchell’s Medical Law and Patients’ Rights team regularly provide support to victims and families who have been left devastated by errors in treatment or basic care failings.

Mandy Luckman, a clinical negligence specialist at the law firm’s Birmingham office, said: “While the NHS in the majority cases does a fantastic job, it is concerning that problems like those flagged in the study unfortunately continue to be raised.

“Errors and failures of the kind raised in this research are unacceptable and I hope that the study actively encourages the NHS to improve standards of nursing in a way which will lead to a reduction in complaints and a rise in the quality of services.

“Every patient deserves to know that their welfare is the top priority for the NHS and it is vital that all possible steps are taken to ensure this is always the case.”