15
Feb 2019
Hospital failures to detect cancer are costing the NHS nearly £50m in compensation
Recent figures, released by NHS Resolution, show that hundreds of patients received compensation settlements from the NHS in the last four years, following failures to detect cancer symptoms, which equates to three potentially fatal errors in diagnosis in an average week.
The figures also showed that cancer claims were only a small portion of 5,260 overall successful claims, following failures to correctly diagnose any kind of illness.
In 2014, NHS watchdog NICE, published guidance on identifying cancer, brought about by fears that early signs were being dismissed as harmless. An earlier study showed that delays in diagnosis of between one and three months, meant the disease had spread in a third of identified cases.
The mistakes and delays mostly occurred in urological, skin and gynaecological cancers.
Chief executive of Action Against Medical Accidents Peter Walsh, said “Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of cancer is costing lives and is a major reason why a recent report by the Health Foundation estimates that up to 10,000 lives a year are being lost to cancer unnecessarily.
“England lags behind other developed countries in cancer survival rates and poor diagnosis is probably the biggest reason why.
The figures quoted here are probably only the tip of the iceberg as many failures to diagnose and refer for treatment occur with GP treatment, and not all such cases result in litigation. There should be a major drive to improve diagnostic skills.”
Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events. Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.
If you believe that you or a relative may have been injured as a result of clinical/medical negligence, please call for free legal advice from our medical negligence solicitors on the freephone number below.
Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.
Freephone : 0800 304 738
- Like this ? Share with friends