Rising Amputation Rates in England and Wales: The Dire Need for Improved Diabetic Foot Care

In recent years, Health Trusts in England and Wales have witnessed a concerning increase in the number of amputations, primarily attributed to inadequate diabetic foot care and challenges in accessing essential podiatry services. This alarming trend underscores a significant public health issue that demands urgent attention and action.

The Growing Problem – Diabetic Foot Disease Claims

Diabetes is a major health concern, affecting millions of individuals in the UK. One of the severe complications associated with diabetes is diabetic foot disease, which can lead to infections, ulcers, and ultimately, amputations if not managed properly. Recent statistics indicate a troubling rise in the number of amputations:

• Increasing Rates: Data from the National Health Service (NHS) reveals that the number of diabetes-related amputations has been steadily increasing over the past decade. This trend highlights gaps in the current healthcare system regarding preventive measures and timely interventions.
• Regional Disparities: Certain areas in England and Wales report higher rates of amputations, reflecting disparities in healthcare access and quality. Rural regions and economically disadvantaged areas are particularly affected, where healthcare resources are often stretched thin.

Barriers to Adequate Foot Care

Several factors contribute to the rising rates of amputations among diabetic patients:

1. Inadequate Preventive Care: Routine foot checks are crucial for diabetic patients to detect early signs of foot complications. However, many patients do not receive regular screenings due to a lack of awareness or insufficient healthcare provisions.
2. Difficulty Accessing Podiatry Services: Access to specialist podiatry services is a significant barrier. Long waiting times for appointments and a shortage of trained podiatrists exacerbate the problem, delaying essential care.
3. Resource Constraints: The NHS faces ongoing challenges with funding and resource allocation. This often leads to prioritization of acute care over preventive services, leaving chronic conditions like diabetic foot disease under-managed.
4. Socioeconomic Factors: Some areas are linked to poorer health outcomes, including higher rates of diabetes-related complications. Individuals in deprived areas may face additional barriers such as transportation issues, making it harder to attend medical appointments.

Clinical Negligence: When Can a Claimant Have a Case?

In the context of rising amputation rates, there are circumstances where patients may have a valid claim for clinical negligence. Clinical negligence occurs when a healthcare provider fails to deliver the standard of care expected, leading to harm. For a successful claim, the following conditions must be met:

1. Duty of Care: The healthcare provider must have owed a duty of care to the patient. This is typically straightforward in a clinical setting.
2. Breach of Duty: The patient must demonstrate that the healthcare provider breached this duty by failing to provide appropriate care. In cases of diabetic foot care, this could include failure to perform regular foot checks, inadequate treatment of foot ulcers, or delays in referring the patient to a specialist.
3. Causation: The breach of duty must have directly caused harm to the patient. This means proving that the inadequate care resulted in the need for an amputation that could have been prevented with proper management.
4. Damages: The patient must have suffered damages as a result of the breach. In the case of an amputation, damages could include physical and emotional suffering, loss of earnings, and costs associated with rehabilitation and prosthetics.

The rising number of amputations in England and Wales due to inadequate diabetic foot care is a serious concern that highlights the need for systemic changes in healthcare delivery. Ensuring timely access to podiatry services, increasing public awareness, and addressing socioeconomic barriers are crucial steps in reversing this trend. For those affected, understanding the grounds for clinical negligence claims can provide a pathway to justice and potentially drive improvements in care standards. As we move forward, a concerted effort from healthcare providers, policymakers, and communities is essential to safeguard the health and well-being of diabetic patients.

Contact our Clinical Negligence Solicitors today

Explore your legal options and make a claim for the harm you or a loved one may have suffered. Our experienced team is here to provide the guidance and support needed to seek the justice and compensation you deserve, call 0191 691 3415 or request a callback on our website today.

Claiming Compensation for Birth Injuries in England and Wales

Bringing a new life into the world is a joyous occasion, but when complications arise during pregnancy or childbirth, it can sometimes lead to devastating complications and injuries. At Browell Smith & Co Solicitors, we understand the emotional and physical impact that birth injuries can have on both the mother and child. Our specialist team is dedicated to supporting families through these difficult times, offering expert advice and home visits to ensure you receive the care and attention you need.

Understanding Birth Injuries

Birth injuries can result from various complications during pregnancy and delivery. These injuries can sometimes arise from clinical negligence, where appropriate care was not provided. Some common birth injuries include:

• Perineal Tears: Severe tears can occur during childbirth, leading to long-term pain and complications if not properly managed.
• Placental Abruption: A serious condition where the placenta detaches from the uterus wall before delivery, which can be life-threatening for both mother and baby if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
• Mismanaged Gestational Complications: Conditions such as diabetes and pre-eclampsia require careful monitoring and management. Failure to do so can result in serious health issues for both mother and baby.
• Sepsis: Sepsis is a complication of an infection – an infection that is allowed to develop. If it not treated quickly it can lead to organ failure and death.

Your Right to Compensation for Birth Injuries

If you or your child has suffered a birth injury due to clinical negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. This compensation can help cover:

• Medical Expenses: Costs associated with immediate and ongoing medical care.
• Financial Losses: Loss of earnings due to the inability to work.
• Future Expenses: Long-term care and support needs for your child.

How Browell Smith & Co Can Help

Our team of experienced solicitors is here to guide you through the process of claiming compensation. We offer personalised support, including home visits to ensure you feel comfortable and well-informed throughout the process. Here’s how we can assist:

1. Expert Advice

We provide expert legal advice on how best to pursue your claim, ensuring you understand your rights and options. Our goal is to make the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible.

2. Home Visits

Understanding the challenges you face, we offer home visits to discuss your case in the comfort of your own home. This ensures you have the opportunity to ask questions and receive support in a familiar environment.

3. Comprehensive Case Management

We handle all aspects of your claim, from gathering medical evidence to negotiating with insurers. Our comprehensive approach ensures that every detail is covered, giving you peace of mind.

4. Support for Future Needs

We understand that birth injuries can have long-term impacts. Our team will work to secure compensation that covers future expenses, including ongoing medical care and support needs.

Case Example: Placental Abruption

A 31-year-old mother in her first pregnancy experienced severe complications due to a delay in recognising placental abruption. Despite reporting symptoms of abdominal pain and heavy bleeding, appropriate medical intervention was delayed, leading to significant distress and injury. Through our support, the family received compensation that covered immediate medical costs, loss of earnings, and ensured provision for future care needs.

Speak to our expert Medical Negligence team today!

If you or a loved one has experienced a birth injury due to medical negligence, Browell Smith & Co Solicitors are here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can assist you in claiming the compensation you deserve.

For more information or to schedule a home visit, please call us at 0191 691 3415 or request a callback on our website. At Browell Smith & Co, we are here to help you navigate this difficult journey with compassion and expertise.

Seeking Compensation for GP Negligence in Delayed Breast Cancer Diagnosis – What Happens When GPs get it wrong?

Many patients have an excellent relationship with their family GP who forms the cornerstone of the primary care provided to the patient and their family.

However, when that trust is breached, consequences can be profound, especially when it comes to matters as crucial as early diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Frequently we are approached to advise clients where there may have been a delay in diagnosing breast cancer by a GP.

General Practitioners (GPs) serve as the first port of call for patients seeking medical assistance. Their role is pivotal in identifying and referring patients for further investigations when symptoms warrant further specialist investigation. However, what happens when this vital link in the chain fails, leading to a delayed diagnosis of breast cancer?

Sarah’s Story – Delayed Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Imagine Sarah, a vibrant woman in her forties, who noticed a subtle change in her breast. Concerned, she promptly visited her GP, hoping for reassurance or early intervention. However, despite expressing her worries, Sarah’s GP dismissed her concerns as mere hormonal fluctuations, prescribing painkillers and advising her to monitor the situation.

Initially, Sarah was relieved that the lump was nothing to be concerned about but as weeks turned into months, and Sarah’s apprehension grew, the lump was still there and Sarah was exceptionally worried. Finally, seeking a second opinion, Sarah reached out to another Practitioner, having worried all day at work she called in at the local walk-in centre on the journey home. At the centre she saw another GP who swiftly referred her for diagnostic tests, revealing an aggressive form of breast cancer that had advanced due to the delay in diagnosis.

Sarah’s story is not uncommon. Sarah’s GP should have referred her directly to a Breast Clinic. The GP could not have safely reassured Sarah that all was well by a simple examination. Breast Clinics offer straightforward specialist investigations and support.

With a young family and facing a long period away from work whilst receiving intensive medical treatments, Sarah was advised to seek legal help.

Our team are very experienced in dealing with cases such as Sarah’s and we were able to guide her through the process of making a claim against the GP who had failed to refer her for investigations many months before.

Sarah’s case included claims for the financial losses faced by herself and her family as a result of being unable to work due to treatment that was more complex than would otherwise be the case. Sarah’s claim also included compensation for her family to take into account the possibility that her life would now be shortened because of the failure of her GP to refer her.

It was of course devastating to discover that had Sarah’s GP referred her for further investigations she would have received treatment within weeks of her attendance. In Sarah’s case, her cancer would have been less advanced and the treatment would have had a more positive outcome.

Speak to our Medically Qualified Solicitors today…

If you or your family have been affected by a similar situation our team is here to help. We have specialist and medically qualified solicitors, our initial advice is completely free of charge and confidential. Call us on 0191 691 3415 or request a callback on our website.