Chester Solicitor's Latest News

 

What do we expect from the National Health Service?

The NHS was launched on 5 July 1948 with the proud expectation that it would make the UK the envy of the world by bringing good healthcare to all.

When we, or one of our relatives, are admitted to hospital we expect to be treated with dignity, compassion and professionalism by staff that are caring, well trained and competent. And for most of us, this is the service that we receive.

Unfortunately though, this is not always the case. This has been highlighted by the Health Care Commission report into the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust in March 2009. (1) The report found a catalogue of appalling standards of care which caused suffering and needless deaths (estimated to be in excess of 400 more deaths than would be expected) amongst patients admitted between 2005 and 2008).

People/families affected by this disgracefully substandard care have provided evidence to the Inquiry led by Robert Francis, QC (2) which supports the Health Care Commission findings (3) that:

• Receptionists were expected to assess arrivals at the Accident & Emergency department, and continue to check on their well-being whilst they awaited medical attention

• Patients were left unattended leading to falls, some of which were fatal

• Basic nursing care was lacking and patients were not fed and were left lying in their own excrement

• Patients were not given analgesia and were left writhing in pain

• There were drug errors

• Staff were not trained in the use of essential medical equipment

• There was a shortage of essential medical equipment

The Inquiry led by Robert Francis QC was held in private, so many questions have been left unanswered. One thing has become apparent - that there was a serious shortage of staff at all levels. The Health Care Commission found this was the result of the Trust’s cost cutting exercises in order for them to meet financial targets. (4)

Families put their faith in Mid Staffs NHS Foundation Trust, entrusting them with the care of their most vulnerable (and often elderly) family members. They have all been seriously let down.

Whether this amounts to a breach of duty and a claim for clinical negligence needs to be discussed on an individual basis with a specialist firm of clinical negligence solicitors.

It is worth noting that there is a limitation period of 3 years in which to bring a claim for clinical negligence, so if you think you or a family member have a potential claim, you need to contact a specialist medical negligence solicitor as soon as possible.

Oliver & Co Solicitors offer such a specialist service, having a solicitor who is also a qualified doctor and a practising nurse and midwife on our medical negligence team. This gives us an exceptional insight into clinical negligence claims.

If you would like a free and confidential assessment of a medical negligence claim, or indeed any other legal matter, please call us on 01244 312306 or email law@oliverandco.co.uk.

__________________________________________________________________

1. The Health Care Commission Investigation into Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust March 2009.
2. The Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Inquiry January 2005 – March 2009. Chaired by Robert Francis QC.
3. Investigation Summary p5 – p8
4. Investigation Summary p9 – p11

More Legal News