Permanent Bowel Symptoms of Substandard Maternity Care
Professional medical care of a new mother's perineum following vaginal childbirth is crucial to a woman's long-term well-being. A failure by medical practitioners to ensure any damage is repaired may justify a claim for compensation.
What is substandard maternity care?
This article relates specifically to the care of the perineum and anus which can be damaged by the pressure of vaginal childbirth. Substandard post-natal maternity care can have a lifelong impact. Debilitating bowel symptoms which could have resolved promptly can become permanent.
Guidelines issued by The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommend that after a woman has given birth through the vagina, her perineum (between the vagina and anus) and anal sphincter muscles should be thoroughly examined for any sign of damage. If an injury is detected, it should be accurately and precisely documented in order that a surgical repair can be arranged. This should take place in an operating theatre and should be carried out by an experienced surgeon to ensure an effective repair.
If examination, diagnosis or repair are not carried out, the relevant medical professionals may be regarded as having provided negligent or substandard care.
If a repair is carried out but it is substandard in some way such as not encompassing the entire injury or using incorrect techniques allowing the injury to break down, this could also be regarded as negligent.
Compensation claims for medical negligence
The on-going difficulties which can be caused by poor-quality perineal care are extremely distressing. A woman can be left struggling with incontinence of both wind and faeces, and the possible social, psychological and financial effects of such an appalling situation.
If a woman suffers life-changing effects, such as loss of employment due to incontinence, as a result of this poor-quality standard of care, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
If an individual has suffered financial losses as a result of substandard medical care, the law maintains that they are entitled to compensation.
Expert legal advice
If you or a loved one are struggling with significant losses due to the impact of poor-quality maternity care, contact Glynns Solicitors.
As a dedicated medical negligence legal practice, we have the experience and expertise to support you through the process of making a claim.
Call us today to talk to one of our team about the suitability of making a claim for compensation.
Contact us today to talk to a specialist solicitor about the possibility of making a claim for compensation.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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