New Findings Published In Journal

A new study which raises concerns over the quality of care offered to patients suffering with heart problems who are admitted to general hospital wards must lead to a rethink, an expert at Irwin Mitchell has claimed.

Published in the journal Heart, the findings from British researchers revealed that those with heart failure are around twice as likely to die if admitted to a general ward rather than a specialist cardiology department.

Comparing the treatment received, it was revealed that ten per cent less patients on general wards would be given a heart trace monitor test than those in the specialist alternatives.

Overall, the experts added that treatment of heart failure is currently “suboptimal”.

Commenting on the study, Georgina Sheldon, who specialises in medical law and patients’ rights cases for Irwin Mitchell, said: “It is unacceptable that people are not receiving the quality of care that they are entitled to and the NHS needs to take a serious look at standards following the release of this report.

“Any suggestion that patient safety has been undermined needs to be considered carefully and potential steps to address the situation may include amendments to training or the availability of certain equipment.

“I urge the NHS to act now to ensure that none of their services are described as ‘suboptimal’ in the future.”