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One in seven medical negligence claims are caused by mistakes made by junior doctors in A&E departments.
Of the cases settled in recent years, 94% were due to a failure to make a correct diagnosis. These figures come tragically after the case of an Irish baby who died after his Leukaemia was repeatedly misdiagnosed by A&E doctors at Cork University Hospital as a bad case of colic in February 2009.
An analysis of cases brought against hospital emergency departments in recent years shows that emergency medicine is responsible for around 15% of all clinical negligence claims.
Of the cases looked at, 74% were most likely to involve a senior house officer (SHO) - a grade of junior doctor, as opposed to 14% for registrars and 8% for consultants. While these figures do not take into account the background to the cases - SHOs evaluate and treat the vast majority of patients in emergency departments, they do highlight an alarming problem with the way A&E departments are run.
While experience is bound to be a contributing factor to these high numbers of medical negligence claims, the diagnosis system in A&E departments is likely to also be at fault. With the pressure to meet patient waiting time targets and the struggle to find free beds, it is little wonder that doctors are making diagnosis errors.
Unfortunately this invariably causes patient care to suffer and as in the case mentioned earlier, can result in tragedy.
The influx of patients with minor complaints certainly does not help relieve the strain on emergency departments. Many use the service as an alternative to the doctor and turn up at the A&E doors with nothing more than a bout of flu.
If you or your child is ill, unless it is an emergency, it is always better to seek the advice of your GP rather than going to your nearest hospital’s A&E. Not only will your doctor have your medical notes to hand and be likely to know your or your child’s medical history, they will also have more time to ensure a correct diagnosis is met.
NHS Direct also offers an invaluable advice line which can help you decide if a trip to hospital is really necessary.
Medical negligence brings unnecessary suffering to a patient and can prolong or even worsen a person’s symptoms. If you or a relative has been misdiagnosed, you can make a compensation claim for the suffering you have endured.
Give YouClaim a call today
At YouClaim, we are sensitive to the upset and suffering medical negligence can bring. Our team or experienced and professional personal injury lawyers will help guide you through the compensation claim process.
While some costs may be incurred during medical negligence trials, where possible we will strive to ensure these costs are redeemed from the other side in a successful case. You will also receive 100% of any compensation awarded to you.
Why not call YouClaim today and get obligation free legal advice on your medical negligence claim.
