Medical Body's Audit Highlights Potential Worries

NHS patients need reassurances that standards will not fall in the future following claims surgeons may soon have to perform procedures with outdated equipment, according to clinical negligence specialists at Irwin Mitchell.

According to the Association of Laparoscopic Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland (ALSGBI), ongoing efforts to enforce efficiency savings may prevent the NHS from investing in new surgical innovations and technology.

Research by the organisation revealed that only 15 per cent of keyhole surgery theatres currently meet the best possible standards in terms of equipment safety and design.

Irwin Mitchell’s specialist Medical Law and Patients’ Rights team act for people who have suffered serious injury and illness as a result of errors or substandard care during and after major surgical procedures.

Mandy Luckman, an expert in the specialist team’s Birmingham office, said: “While it is understandable that the NHS is being asked to make savings, the absolutely fundamental priority must be to ensure that such efforts do not impact on the quality of care that patients are able to access.

“These new concerns from ALSGBI show that, while cuts are necessary, surgeons still need to be able to access the best possible tools for them to carry out their jobs to the highest standard.

“Patient safety must always be the priority and we are hopefully that trusts will be able to make the right decisions which will ensure that people can access new, modern and innovative treatments in the future.”