We are being
constantly reminded about a so called compensation culture in the country and
the cost of having to deal with claims. This relentless criticism of victims can
create the misunderstanding that it is their fault. This is particularly the
case in Medical Negligence where victims who claim are made to feel responsible
for draining the resources of the NHS.
At the same
time the government is squeezing victims further by severely restricting access
to legal aid.
In all of
this the point is rarely made that the best way to avoid Medical Claims is to
avoid the blunders in the first place. This is highlighted by the report in today’s
Guardian that the NHS estimates that it
will have to pay out £235.4m to 60 babies who suffered brain damage after negligent
failure to diagnose and treat hypoglycaemia – low blood sugar. This is a
preventable complication which should be identified provided straightforward
testing is carried out.
According
to one midwife in the Guardian report –
"Hypoglycaemia is something that in the majority of
cases we should be detecting and preventing."
The
compensation figures mentioned seem high but these children, who lives are
devastated, will require 24 hr care for life.
These cases
emphasise again the need for families to have access to expert legal advice
with legal aid. Just the cost of investigating the case can run into thousands.
These are cases which cry out for justice at the public expense especially when
a lack of investment in midwives could be the cause.
Fighting
for your rights
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