Delayed Surgery Compensation
For some people, a delay in undertaking their surgery will not necessarily make a significant difference to their long-term outcome. For others, however, even a short delay can be catastrophic.
Operation cancellations
Over the past 12 months, NHS statistics have demonstrated that increasing numbers of operations are being delayed due to staff shortages and pressures on hospital capacity. Between 2011 and 2017, the number of urgent operations which were cancelled more than doubled from 2% to 5%. Delays in re-scheduling operations have also increased.
In the NHS winter crisis earlier this year, even cancer operations fell victim to the pressure on hospital beds.
Emergency surgery
In certain circumstances and for certain conditions, a small delay can make a significant difference to the outcome for the patient and, in these situations, it may be appropriate for the patient to make a claim for compensation for their pain and suffering.
For example, the following conditions might warrant immediate surgery and risk a poor outcome for the patient if they are delayed:
- A burst appendix
- A perforated bowel
- Brain injury
- Diverticulitis
- Cauda equina syndrome
- Cardiac surgery
- pancreatitis
Negative outcomes due to surgical delay
A failure to operate in a timely manner for these conditions could lead to a variety of life-long and life-changing outcomes including:
- paralysis
- double incontinence
- epilepsy
- sepsis
- blindness
- cognitive problems
- sexual dysfunction
In some circumstances, a delay in diagnosis and surgery can produce a fatal outcome.
Where a burst internal organ is not immediately treated, the patient risks abdominal contamination with bacteria, which can cause peritonitis. This is frequently associated with sepsis which can be fatal.
Seek legal advice
If you or a loved one have suffered significant long-term negative effects due to a delay in your surgery, you may wish to consider speaking with a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
If your delay in diagnosis or surgery can be proved to have caused your negative outcome, you may be able to make a claim for compensation.
Glynns Solicitors is a specialist medical negligence legal practice and we would be happy to advise you.
Call us free on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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