Health Secretary Hits A Sore Spot!

Recently Jeremy Hunt, Health Secretary, visited Birmingham Children's Hospital and whilst there emphasised the importance of investment in preventative care, patient safety, promoting the patient experience and for issues of finance all to be considered as one. Many people will of course note the irony that in the same week Mr Hunt emphasises this crucial consideration thousands of midwives were striking for a 1% pay increase. Mr Hunt's speech was quickly commented upon by the British medical world and notably by Royal College of Nursing Chief Executive, Dr Peter Carter. In his statement Dr Carter made reference to preventable issues in hospitals, such as patients falling and pressure ulcers as being attributable to lack of staff as a result of funding. Wake Smith believes patients suffering from falls or pressure ulcers, whilst vulnerable and under the care of medical professionals, should receive the care they deserve. If left untreated, a pressure ulcer, which is easily preventable, could pose a risk of sore skin; blistering; sub-cutaneous bruising with possible need for corrective surgery. Anyone who suffers from a pressure ulcer as a result of a stay in hospital will rightly want to know why they suffered that harm; what is being done to prevent it happening again; and may also need financial compensation to assist them in their recovery. Through our extensive experience and nationally recognised solicitors, Wake Smith realises that when patients suffer harm their needs are never the same as someone else's. However, one trait victims do share is a need for their injury to be acknowledged and recognised, not used as ammunition in a point scoring exercises between medical unions and politicians. Have you had a poor experience in hospital which has left you with a pressure sore or some other injury which resulted from your stay in hospital? If so, please feel free to contact our offices on 0114 266 6660 or email us at medical@wake-smith.com where one of our Clinical Negligence solicitors would be happy to discuss the matter with you.