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<copyright>Copyright &#169; 2012 Lucy Small</copyright>
<pubDate>Thu, 17 May 2012 07:54:57 +0100</pubDate>
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<description>Lanyon Bowlder Solicitors blog.</description>
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<description>Lanyon Bowlder Solicitors blog.</description>
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<managingEditor>info@lblaw.co.uk (Lanyon Bowdler)</managingEditor>
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<title><![CDATA[Media Spotlight on Prescribing Errors]]></title>
<link>http://blog.lblaw.co.uk/media-spotlight-on-prescribing-errors-385/</link>
<description><![CDATA[
As highlighted in this week's press, a recent review by the General Medical Council of prescribing errors and monitoring errors in GP practices across the country has found that in all, 1 in 20 prescriptions contain errors.  The review, entitled Investigating  the Prevalence and Causes of Prescribing Errors in GP Practice, found the figure increased in respect of prescriptions to the elderly - where 4 out of 10 prescriptions made out for those over 75 contained errors.Children under 14 were found to be twice as likely to have a prescription error than the age group 15 to 65.Errors in prescribing for children under 14 appeared to be influenced by the problems with correct dosage in relation to the weight of the patient.  Difficulties relating to this have been recently highlighted with regard to the prescription of paracetamol in hospitals which is weight related with fatal consequences.  The review looked at factors such as dosage and record keeping and giving the patient the appropriate check ups to assess medication.The most common problem was incomplete information on the prescription followed by  problems with dosage and the timings of dosage.Factors influencing the risk of errors included:    The number of medicines a patient was taking;    The age of the patient; and    The type of medication.Of the errors found 42% were judged minor, 54% judged mild and 4% severe.However, the impact of a serious but simple prescribing error can have devastating effect on a patient such as in the case of a patient who lost 95% vision as a result of a doubling of the dosage on her prescription by the GP without review.It was also evident from the review that GPs take their responsibilities with regard to prescribing very seriously but can sometimes be affected by factors such as the time constraints imposed on them with regard to appointments, frequent distractions and interruptions when dealing with repeat prescriptions.The review recommends better training for GPs on safe prescribing and closer working between the GP and pharmacists and more effective use of computer systems to flag up errors.Kay Kelly from Lanyon Bowdler has acted in a tragic case of paracetamol overdose as reported in the Daily Mirror. If you require any information or advice with regard to the consequences of a prescribing error please contact a member of our clinical negligence team on 0800 954 9936.  
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<category><![CDATA[Clinical Negligence]]></category>
<pubDate>Fri, 04 May 2012 15:43:31 +0100</pubDate>
<guid>http://blog.lblaw.co.uk/media-spotlight-on-prescribing-errors-385/</guid>
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<title><![CDATA[Metal on Metal Hip Replacements Risk - Cause for Concern?]]></title>
<link>http://blog.lblaw.co.uk/metal-on-metal-hip-replacements-risk-cause-for-concern-363/</link>
<description><![CDATA[
There is much in the media this week regarding the growing concerns in the medical profession about the safety of metal on metal hip replacements.  The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) are launching an investigation into the safety of these implants.These types of prosthesis became common from the mid-1990s in preference to the traditional type of prosthesis of metal ball in plastic socket. With the metal on metal hip replacement the metal femoral ball which sits on the top of the leg fits into the metal acetabular socket which is attached to the hip. Studies have shown an increase in failure rate of the metal on metal prosthesis and, of more concern to recipients, evidence to a reaction to a build up of metal debris from the wear and tear of the socket and a reaction to the metal itself. Problems occur when the friction between the metal ball and the cup causes tiny metal filings to break off and potentially seep into the blood. These can also cause a soft tissue reaction which can go on to affect muscle and bone.Those patients with metal on metal prosthesis should be reviewed annually. Of particular concern was the De Puy models now taken off the market in September 2010.Patients should have been told what type of prosthesis was used in their hip replacement procedure. Those with a De Puy prosthesis should have already been called back for checks however, if you are concerned at all with regard to whether you should be reviewed and as to what type of prosthesis was used it is recommended that you contact the hospital where the procedure was carried out.The MHRA has stressed that the majority of people with such devices are at low risk of developing serious problems but if you have any concerns the advice is to contact your doctor. Complaints of discomfort in the groin, discomfort in the outside of  the hip or buttock or a  mass or visible swelling around the hip, clicking or clanking of the hip or the patient saying the hip gives way should prompt a referral to an orthopaedic specialist ( British Medical Journal).If you require any advice or assistance with regard to metal on metal hip replacements then please contact a member of our clinical negligence team on 0800 954 9936 
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<category><![CDATA[Clinical Negligence]]></category>
<pubDate>Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:52:00 +0000</pubDate>
<guid>http://blog.lblaw.co.uk/metal-on-metal-hip-replacements-risk-cause-for-concern-363/</guid>
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<title><![CDATA[The Loss of Legal Aid for Clinical Negligence Clients - Act Now!]]></title>
<link>http://blog.lblaw.co.uk/the-loss-of-legal-aid-for-clinical-negligence-clients-act-now-326/</link>
<description><![CDATA[
As highlighted by the recent Tonight Programme on ITV (Thursday 8 September), there is much concern about the Governments proposals to remove Legal Aid for Clinical Negligence claims contained in the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill, currently going through parliament. Combined with the other proposals in respect of funding, to remove the recoverability of success fees and insurance premiums from unsuccessful Defendants, so the victims of the negligence pays them, will mean no access to legal help and justice for many victims of medical accidents.This Bill follows on from the civil costs review carried out by Lord Justice Jackson, whose recommendations have, on the whole, been adopted in the draft bill save for a very important one. He stressed the vital necessity of making no further cutbacks in Legal Aid availability and eligibility. He has since highlighted the need to retain Legal Aid in clinical negligence claims. However, we cannot not rely on his and many other high profile campaigners to keep Legal Aid for clinical negligence succeeding, and it is likely that it will be removed at some point in the not too distant future.Clinical negligence is a complex area of law requiring medical and non medical expertise at an early stage. Victims need access to legal advice to help guide them through this area of sophisticated and complex litigation (Judiciarys Response to the Ministry of Justice Consultation Paper on Legal Aid 11 February 2011). This cannot be done without the appropriate fundingWhilst we will all continue to lobby our MPs and Parliament, it is vitally important that those victims of medical accidents, who may be eligible for Legal Aid to investigate their case, seek advice now before the opportunity to apply for public funding is lost. If not the chance for justice for them may be lost forever.If you require any advice or assistance with regard to any potential clinical negligence claim please contact a member of our clinical negligence team. Dont leave it until its too late. 
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<category><![CDATA[Clinical Negligence]]></category>
<pubDate>Mon, 26 Sep 2011 15:38:50 +0100</pubDate>
<guid>http://blog.lblaw.co.uk/the-loss-of-legal-aid-for-clinical-negligence-clients-act-now-326/</guid>
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<title><![CDATA[Hospital Severely Criticised for Failure to Spot Fatal Infection in Infant]]></title>
<link>http://blog.lblaw.co.uk/hospital-severely-criticised-for-failure-to-spot-fatal-infection-in-infant-299/</link>
<description><![CDATA[
A hospital in Barrow in Furness has been severely criticised by the Cumbria and South East Coroner for staff failure to spot a fatal infection in a newborn baby - despite the parents concerns.  
  During the Inquest into Joshua Titcombes death, which concluded on 8th June, it was heard that the infant died of an lung infection (pneumococcus infection).  It was stated that he would have had an 80% chance of survival had antibiotics been prescribed immediately after his birth. 
  Joshua had picked up the infection from his mother who had been suffering from a sore throat, headaches and tiredness in the week before his birth.  She was given antibiotics after his delivery.  The child was not.  Both parents asked if he should be given antibiotics but their concerns were waved away.  Both expressed their concern that he was not well only to be told that the paediatrician was too busy to examine him.  At no time was he reviewed by a doctor until his condition was critical.Joshua became very ill the day after he was born and was airlifted to another hospital.  Sadly he died 9 days later. Staff were criticised for failing to recognise the symptoms of infection including that the babys low temperature could be a sign of infection.  The Paediatrician at the Newcastle Freemans Hospital where he was subsequently transferred told the Inquest that she would normally infer infection in a newborn not maintaining a temperature for the first 24 hours.The Coroner was scathing in his comments about the care provided by the midwives at the Furness General Hospital expressing extreme concern that notes were missing - in particular the observation chart that recorded Joshuas temperature, heart rate and feeding pattern.The Hospital Trust has accepted responsibility and apologised to the parents assuring that all steps that could be taken had been to minimise the risk of this happening again - which included the retraining of midwives.  A police investigation is currently being carried out. If you require any further information with regard to post natal and birth injuries please contact a member of our clinical negligence team 
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<category><![CDATA[Clinical Negligence]]></category>
<pubDate>Thu, 16 Jun 2011 11:56:46 +0100</pubDate>
<guid>http://blog.lblaw.co.uk/hospital-severely-criticised-for-failure-to-spot-fatal-infection-in-infant-299/</guid>
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<title><![CDATA[Serious Concerns Over Care Given to Elderly Patients in NHS Hospitals]]></title>
<link>http://blog.lblaw.co.uk/serious-concerns-over-care-given-to-elderly-patients-in-nhs-hospitals-294/</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The Care Quality Commission has raised serious concerns over the treatment of elderly patients in some NHS hospitals in England.Three hospitals were highlighted as failing to meet the legal standards for giving patients enough food and drink and treating them in a dignified way. Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust responsible for the NHS Acute hospitals in Worcester and Redditch was one of the Trusts named. Evidence was given by a member of the medical staff at a Worcestershire Hospital that they were prescribing water simply to ensure that the patients got enough to drink.The report followed unannounced inspections by the NHS Care Regulator on 100 hospitals. The reports on 12 have so far  been published.The hospitals must now improve or face action from the Regulator.The inspection follows months of news stories and radio discussions about the poor  treatment of the elderly in hospital. It is recognised by those inspecting the hospitals and by many of us who have had loved ones cared for in an NHS hospital that there are many cases where the care given is excellent and the utmost respect is afforded  to the patient however, where there are cases in which an elderly patient, unable to fend for themselves is denied access to the water simply because it is out of reach or inadequate food  because they are unable to feed themselves then action clearly need to be taken.Further reports will be published over the Summer and it is anticipated that the findings will be published in the Autumn of 2011.If you have any concerns with regard to treatment and care provided in hospital please contact our Clinical Negligence Department.  
]]></description>
<category><![CDATA[Clinical Negligence]]></category>
<pubDate>Tue, 31 May 2011 09:33:12 +0100</pubDate>
<guid>http://blog.lblaw.co.uk/serious-concerns-over-care-given-to-elderly-patients-in-nhs-hospitals-294/</guid>
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<title><![CDATA[Guidance to Spot Blood Clots in Patients Not Being Followed]]></title>
<link>http://blog.lblaw.co.uk/guidance-to-spot-blood-clots-in-patients-not-being-followed-288/</link>
<description><![CDATA[
According to statistics provided by the NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) over 10,000 lives could be saved by hospitals assessing patients for the risk of developing blood clots as soon as they are admitted to hospital.It is estimated that each year 25,000 people who are admitted to hospital die from preventable venous thrombosis (blood clots in the leg and potentially fatal clots which travel to the lung).This led to the Department of Health highlighting the need for action to address what has been described this silent killer, and new guidelines were brought out in January 2010.These guidelines advise that all patients should be screened for clot risk however, a BBC report on the 10th May 2011 has highlighted that doctors are not following the guidelines. The report is backed up by the analysis of The Department of Health data, which shows that just 30 percent of the UKs 159 Hospital Trusts in England are meeting the mandatory goal to risk assess 90 per cent of patients admitted to hospital.Under the NICE Guidelines, patients should be offered a range of treatments to reduce the risk of blood clots such as anti-embolism stockings and drug treatment if shown to be at risk. The cost of these preventative measures being more than off set by the saving in respect of claims by victims and their families of these preventable injuries.If you wish to know anything more about this issue please contact the Clinical Negligence Department at Lanyon Bowdler 
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<category><![CDATA[Clinical Negligence]]></category>
<pubDate>Wed, 11 May 2011 09:53:11 +0100</pubDate>
<guid>http://blog.lblaw.co.uk/guidance-to-spot-blood-clots-in-patients-not-being-followed-288/</guid>
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<title><![CDATA[Recording Radio Ads is a Nerve Wracking Business!]]></title>
<link>http://blog.lblaw.co.uk/recording-radio-ads-is-a-nerve-wracking-business-260/</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Recording at a music station is a bit nerve racking no matter how many times you have done it before. I have been recording my own adverts at Radio Wyvern for the last 8 or so years and was really pleased to be back there last week to record my advert for Lanyon Bowdlers Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence team.
I went to the studio in Worcester to meet Geoff who designs the ad and Holly our account manager who makes sure we get it all right. They are both great fun and put you at ease straight away.  
I bumped into breakfast DJ Rich Hurst or Hursky as he prefers to be known who laughed at being introduced to the voice behind the ad. Having played the ad for so long you wonder what they are expecting and cant tell if your physical presence is somewhat of a disappointment to your image on air. Thats the fun of radio.
We recorded in the studio with Jim Kerwood technical genius. The headphones and the big microphone make you feel like a radio news reader. After a few laughs and missed takes we had got a straight run of the ad that sounded just right.
Geoff then puts the music to the ad and the piece is put together and emailed over to us for approval, and much laughing at me in the office as we listen to the finished result.
Fame at last!]]></description>
<category><![CDATA[Clinical Negligence]]></category>
<pubDate>Tue, 25 Jan 2011 15:04:15 +0000</pubDate>
<guid>http://blog.lblaw.co.uk/recording-radio-ads-is-a-nerve-wracking-business-260/</guid>
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