According to official NHS England statistics, two NHS Trusts in Essex were among the worst NHS Trusts in the country for the number of serious medical errors taking place at hospitals under their control. Such incidences put patients at unnecessary, and in some cases serious risk.
Colchester and Chelmsford Hospitals’ Serious Medical Errors
Following on from our previous article on the amount of “Never Events” occurring at Colchester Hospital, figures published on 29th April 2015 (the most up-to-date annual figures available) suggest that Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust (which operates Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford) and Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust committed a combined total of 15 serious, avoidable medical errors between 1st April 2014 – 31st March 2015. Such incidents are called “Never Events” because it is argued that they are such basic errors that they should never occur. Such mistakes include operating on the wrong patient, leaving medical apparatus in patient’s bodies after surgery, or operating on the wrong part of a patient’s body.
Of concern to those living in the Colchester area, Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust was the worst-performing Trust in the country, recording a total of 9 serious, avoidable medical mistakes. Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust did not perform much better, recording a total of 7. Across England, a total of 308 serious and avoidable medical errors were recorded with the most common mistakes being operating on the wrong part of patients and accidentally leaving medical apparatus inside patients. Of course, both pose significant risks to patients’ health.
Concern for Patients Living in Essex
Commenting on the news, Jason Brady, a clinical negligence solicitor at Essex-based law firm Blackwater Law, said:
“It must be concerning for patients and families of patients in Essex that rely on and use these health care providers. We act for victims of medical negligence in Essex whose lives have been turned upside down because of the mistakes made by GPs and medical professionals at hospitals in Essex. Some of these cases are truly harrowing, not least because they may have been avoided.
“Often those that suffer because of a mistake made by their GP or hospital simply want answers as to why it happened. Whilst there are complaints procedures in place at all hospitals and GP practices, it is unfortunately sometimes the case that these answers are only forthcoming once you are represented by a solicitor as part of a clinical negligence compensation claim and once your solicitor begins in-depth investigation into the circumstances of your case and the care received on your behalf.”
Basildon and Thurrock Hospitals
Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust was also reported to have committed two serious and avoidable medical mistakes during the period. This included a case of operating on the wrong part of a patient’s body and surgical placement of the wrong implant or prosthesis into the patient.
What if You or Your Family Have Been the Victim of a Serious Medical Error?
If you or your family members have experienced poor care from a GP or hospital or have suffered a serious medical error that was avoidable, you may be entitled to compensation. Examples of cases you may be entitled to compensation for include:
- Incorrect or misdiagnosis of a condition or illness
- Late diagnosis of a condition, illness or injury
- Surgical errors
- Unnecessary delays in treatment
- Given incorrect medical treatment/advice
Free Initial Advice
Get free initial advice from specialist clinical negligence lawyers at Blackwater Law Solicitors, based in Essex.
Call 0800 083 5500 to speak with a lawyer who will give you advice on whether you may be entitled to claim compensation for the care that you or a member of your family received. All accepted compensation claims are operated on a no-win, no fee basis.
