Claiming for a 'Never Event'
Data released by the NHS relating to 'never events' in hospital procedures has identified that 294 such events occurred in the seven months ending 31st October 2018.
'Never Events' 2018
Of these 294 never events, the biggest category of mistake by far is surgery being carried out on the wrong part of the body. Examples of this would include surgery to the wrong breast, the wrong eye or the wrong knee to name just a few. Apparently, 117 such mistakes occurred within the NHS over the seven month period.
Over the same period of time, there were 74 occasions on which an item was left inside a patient during surgery which ought to have been removed. This includes surgical swabs, guide wires and surgical needles. Inevitably, in addition to any damage or discomfort which such an occurrence may cause, the patient will probably require further surgery in order to have the item removed. This in itself is likely to cause distress as well as subjecting the patient to all the risks normally associated with surgery.
Astonishingly, a recent Glynns Solicitors client, after suffering months of pain and discomfort, was found to have a piece of plastic measuring 8" in diameter in his abdomen. This had been left inside him during an earlier surgical procedure. The resulting damage left our client needing further surgery and a temporary stoma as well as suffering long-term fatigue and disability.
Medical negligence
A 'never event' may have only a limited effect on the patient but, in some circumstances, the outcome can be catastrophic.
Where the impact is both long-term and significant, it may be appropriate for the patient to consider making a claim for compensation.
Our client, mentioned above, is no longer able to undertake the work he had previously done and his financial situation has been severely affected as a result. Had his surgery been undertaken competently, he would not have faced this situation.
A successful compensation claim can help to deal with situations such as this by providing compensation not only for the pain and suffering experienced by the client but also compensating for both past and future financial losses associated with the outcome of the medical negligence.
Seek legal advice
If you or a loved one are suffering with the on-going effects of a significant medical 'never event', you should speak to a specialist medical negligence solicitor to assess the possibility of making a compensation claim.
Here at Glynns Solicitors we have supported numerous clients who have suffered from surgical negligence including 'never events' and would be very happy to advise you.
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