Maternity Medical Negligence Claims
Sharp increase in mistakes on maternity wards
New evidence has come to light over recent times of an increased risk to mothers and babies as the result of mistakes on maternity wards. The number of incidents reported to the patient safety watchdog has doubled in just two years. Last year, a frightening 70,108 cases were passed to the National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA). That compares with 35,428 cases reported in 2005.
Many of those cases were due to mistakes in medication and the incorrect use of equipment. Disturbingly, the number of cases of reported abuse of mothers by staff has also increased, rising by 55% from 44 cases to 66. In total, more than 10% of women were the victim of a notifiable incident of some kind whilst in neo-natal units and during childbirth.
Despite the frightening statistics, neo-natal units are still the best place for a mother to be during labour and childbirth. The trouble is that, because of the shortfalls in the number of trained midwifes and neo-natal staff, mothers in some hospitals are often sharing a midwife with two other patients at any one time. There is an estimated shortage of 5,000 midwifes in the NHS, causing those staff that do try to maintain the highest standards they can having to cope with ever-increasing workloads. The problem filters down to the most vulnerable of people at that point - the mother and unborn child.
The Royal College of Midwifes has freely admitted that their members are now busier than ever on wards, leading to the possibility of a missed complication or a mistake in medication, just through sheer weight of commitment to more than one patient. Despite the call for women to have more choice, greater one-to-one attention and more ‘personalised’ care during their labour and birth periods, the evidence points toward a greater chance of vulnerability at one of the most stressful times in their lives.
The Government has paid out over £800 billion in compensation for mistakes on maternity wards and claims of negligence during childbirth since 1995. The figures, released in April 2008, came only a few weeks after a Healthcare Commission report found that women are increasingly being left alone during childbirth, do not get proper pain relief and complain of being under fed. The Royal College of Midwives have called on the Government to take the numbers seriously and to increase the number of midwives employed throughout the NHS and healthcare service.
Although the figures do seem to indicate a system in crisis, the majority of women do go through the whole childbirth process unscathed, with a safe delivery and satisfactory experience on neo-natal wards. However, if something does go wrong, how can you claim against medical negligence?
The medical profession usually provides a high standard of excellence, and is constantly striving to improve their record on patient care and treatment. But there are times when patients may be the victim of medical negligence. If it can be proven that an accident or illness is attributable to incompetence or lack of care, it may be possible to bring a claim for negligence.
The laws surrounding medical negligence are notorious for being complex and very difficult to navigate. In instances like this, it is essential to have specialist legal expertise and solicitors who have experience in handling such cases. When a vulnerable person feels that the system has failed them, the support of a knowledgeable professional who can guide them through the complexities of a case is the easiest route to a successful outcome. Not only will it compensate someone for their injuries or illness, it will also help the healthcare sector to see where the system is still weak and improve it for others who have to go through the same organisation. If you feel that you have been the victim of medical negligence on a neo-natal ward, contact a specialist solicitor to discuss your options.
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