Category: Health
NHS Digital data breach three-year anniversary
In July, it was three years since the NHS Digital data breach was first reported. This was a wide-reaching data protection incident in which tens of thousands of people had their personal information misused. NHS Digital was found to have caused personal data misuse after a system error denied patients the ability to choose how their information was processed and used.
Every patient should be able to exercise control over the use of their confidential health information, so the NHS Digital data incident represents a significant breach of patients’ data protection rights. It is for this reason that many patients affected by the incident could be eligible to claim compensation, and we are working on behalf of victims on a No Win, No Fee basis.
We began to offer advice to potential claimants soon after the breach was reported, and we will continue to help as many victims as we can. However, given that three years have passed, claims may be different for anyone only just bringing one now, and further dates can prevent more victims from making a claim. As we often say, it is important that you seek advice as soon as possible if you were affected.
Spire Healthcare court case leads to fine
The Spire Healthcare court case has now come to a conclusion after the group was reportedly told to pay a total of £20,104.36, £5,000 of which was a fine, according to Leeds Live. The Care Quality Commission, which is understood to have never taken an independent healthcare provider to court before, pursued Spire Healthcare with legal action over allegations that the provider had allegedly delayed telling patients that they had been subjected to potentially negligent care.
The court case was not related to the medical negligence itself, but the case did concern Spire Healthcare’s reported failure to act upon the failings in patient treatment carried out by Michael Walsh, a former surgeon at the company.
As specialists in medical negligence, it always triggers alarm bells for us when we hear that negligent treatment may have been covered up or played down. Healthcare organisations have a duty to thoroughly scrutinise any suspicions of malpractice, or they could be responsible for letting patients down and putting them at risk. We are pleased to see that the Care Quality Commission has taken successful legal action in this case.
Hundreds of victims of breast surgeon Ian Paterson yet to be identified
Disgraced breast surgeon Ian Paterson was imprisoned several years ago, having being found guilty on 17 counts of wounding with intent.
The criminal prosecution only scratched the surface of what may have been going on, with widespread beliefs that many more patients could have been harmed by Paterson. Recent reports have suggested that hundreds of Paterson’s patients have yet to be contacted, meaning that many more might be still in the dark about the mistreatment that they may have been exposed to.
Some victims have already been awarded compensation for the harm caused to them, but we suspect that many more may be entitled to claim. Paterson’s undeniable guilt has strengthened the legal action against him. We encourage any further victims to come forward for advice, even if the hospital has yet to contact you.
The difficulties of vaginal mesh removal
As stories of vaginal mesh complications continue to emerge, many of those who have suffered from the implants are seeking treatment to lessen or stop the pain and injuries they have faced. However, the difficulties of vaginal mesh removal can mean that some of the harmful consequences are, unfortunately, irreversible.
Vaginal mesh implants, used to treat things like urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, have been the subject of controversy for many years. While approved by the UK regulator, the MHRA, the issue of serious complications can be shocking, with many women speaking out about the complications that they have suffered. In response, we have taken on claims from many women affected by the implants, who we believe are eligible to claim compensation for the harm they have been caused.
Commissioner to champion people harmed by medicines or medical devices
In a huge win for anyone harmed by medicines or medical devices, the government has agreed to the appointment of an Independent Patients’ Commissioner. Their role will be to stand up for people who have fallen victim to the dangerous side-effects of certain medical products.
At The Group Action Lawyers, we have been raising the unheard voices of suffering patients for many years, taking on many clients in large group and multi-party actions against powerful medical companies and manufacturers. As such, we welcome the news of this new public service, which represents a significant step in the right direction for patients and overall safety.
Claim for the Transform Hospital Group data breach
For clients of the Transform Hospital Group, 2020 ended with the distressing news that their private data had been exposed in a malicious ransomware attack.
As a plastic surgery chain, the group holds extremely sensitive information about their patients, including surgery photos known as “before and after” images. It is understood that such photos are the subject of the ransomware attack, with some 500 gigabytes of it being held.
The affected customers may now be living in constant fear of their sensitive information being published online, as well as their details being misused in order to commit fraud or identity theft. With such sensitive information at risk, customers are, unsurprisingly, very distressed by the prospect of targeted exposure and humiliation. At the Group Action Lawyers, we have already begun taking on claimants, and we foresee that a group action may be brought if more claims are made, allowing us to launch a collective fight for justice.
Basildon University Hospital maternity unit rated ‘inadequate’.
Basildon University Hospital maternity unit, once rated ‘outstanding’, has been rated ‘inadequate’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
The CQC launched an investigation into the unit after concerns were raised by an anonymous whistle-blower about patient treatment and general safety at the unit.
We know how bad it can be for anyone that has been the victim of medical negligence, but this is a different kind of story entirely. When it comes to something as serious as this, no legal case or punishment issued could ever turn back the clock and undo the damage that has been done.
Study shows hernia complications most likely to occur 30 days after surgery
In some cases, the chance of hernia complications occurring post-op is up to 30%. A U.S. study reportedly indicates that hernia complications are most likely to occur at least 30 days after surgery.
The study looked into all incisional hernia repair hospital admissions between 2010 and 2014 and found that, out of almost 16,000 patients, almost 20% were readmitted within one year of their surgery, and 60% of were readmitted after 30 days. Of the 16,000 patients, 88% were reportedly treated using hernia mesh, and one-third had to undergo further major surgery.
This extremely high percentage of both short-term and long-term readmissions could indicate how dangerous the use of hernia mesh can be. The complications arising from hernia mesh over 30 days after surgery can be incredibly serious. In the UK, the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) has been criticised for failing to review the use after patients came forward with complications. As a law firm, we represent people claiming compensation for hernia mesh problems.
Royal Derby Hospital gynaecologist malpractice compensation claims
The specialist team at the Group Action Lawyers is able to assist anyone affected by the Royal Derby Hospital gynaecologist malpractice allegations.
If you have been affected by the consultant, or contacted by the NHS Trust to inform you require further care or investigation, you could be entitled to claim medical negligence compensation.
We have a great deal of experience in the complex area of medical negligence and we want to help anyone affected by these issues to get the justice that they deserve. We have a great deal of experience and specialism in large-scale medical matters as well, having recovered millions of pounds for clients over a number of years.
Pelvic mesh compensation claims
Our specialist team at the Group Action Lawyers represent victims for pelvic mesh compensation claims on a No Win, No Fee basis in England and Wales.
We have been helping people with advice and claims in this complex and niche area of law for a number of years, and this is one of the over 50 group and multi-party actions that we have launched. We have a great deal of experience and specialism in medical compensation cases, having recovered millions of pounds for clients over several years.
You are not alone, and you have a voice for justice. Here is some brief guidance about how we may be able to help you, as well as how you can contact the team for free, no-obligation advice today.