08
Mar 2016
Only 5% of hospital mistakes are being reported
An investigation by former health minister Lord Darzi and Imperial College London has revealed that hospital staff are failing to report treatment errors through fear of repercussion, and that the vast majority of mistakes are remaining hidden.
Despite warnings 12 months ago by Sir Robert Francis, who led an inquiry into whistleblowing, the most recent investigation found that staff were still scared.
Professor Darzi said “For too long the mindset has been that patient harms are inevitable, and that nothing can be done to prevent them. But keeping patients safe is a fundamental part of care … we must focus on creating safer environments for patients.”
The most recent data received from the NHS has revealed that from 1st October 2014 to 31st March 2015, 621,776 patient safety incidents were reported in major hospitals in England. Of these, moderate harm was caused to 20,827, severe harm was caused to 2,373, and 716 patients died (four a day) as a result of incidents and errors.
Peter Walsh of Action Against Medical Accidents, said “These figures are shocking. It is totally unacceptable if an average of four people a day are dying from patient safety incidents in the NHS.
“However, the figures are probably only the tip of the iceberg, as it is well known that there is massive under-reporting of patient safety incidents.”
Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence compensation claims, and have obtained substantial compensation for our clients. 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 Tony May, Partner/head of 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 028 2969
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