Do families always get the best clinical advice?
Quite often Meningitis UK are asked by families for advice regarding the treatment provided to a loved one. We have recently been supported by clinical negligence specialists Pannone in Manchester. Recent initiatives include sponsorship of our annual Spencer’s Ball and staff fundraising events such as sky dives, sponsored runs, and Christmas card and book sales.
Here we ask Jenny Urwin from Pannone to give an overview of their experience of clinical negligence relating to meningitis….
'Generally, medical treatment in the United Kingdom is of a high standard. However, as specialist lawyers in clinical negligence we have substantial experience in investigating cases relating to meningitis and looking at medical law issues, which concern the withdrawal of treatment or end-of-life decisions.
'Typically, concerns regarding standards of medical treatment of meningitis relate to delays in diagnosing and starting treatment. Most frequently, claims relate to the failure on the part of a GP to suspect meningitis and refer swiftly to hospital. Other cases may relate to the failure on the part of paramedics to transfer patients despite an emergency call or delays in the actual diagnosis and commencement of treatment once a patient is admitted to hospital. Tragically, such delays can lead to serious injury, with progression to septicaemia and the need for amputation, brain injury, or death.
'If you are concerned on behalf of yourself or a family member that there may have been a delay in diagnosing or an initial misdiagnosis of meningitis we may be able to assist you in obtaining answers, as well as help to ensure lessons are learned for the future, in addition to obtaining compensation for avoidable pain and suffering, injury or death. We can advise on pursuing a formal complaint where appropriate or where justified bringing a claim for compensation.
'As specialist lawyers in this field, we seek independent expert evidence only from well respected medico-legal experts. If the evidence is supportive, attempts are made to resolve the claim without the need to go to court wherever possible. Whilst the aim of any legal case is to obtain compensation, we endeavour to obtain an explanation, accountability and an apology where possible to avoid similar mistakes arising again.
'We can help by liaising with the NHS Trust to resolve disputes over treatment decisions and can provide specialist advice should the dispute need the input of the courts. We are also here to offer practical and legal advice to anyone who may have been affected by meningitis. Should you be affected by any of the issues in this article then please contact Clinical Negligence department on 0161 909 3000.'
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