I wrote an article late last year addressing the headline grabbing figures of compensation paid out by the NHS to compensate those who have suffered medical negligence and last week, Coventry Telegraph’s piece on gynaecological claims was written in a similar vein.
It stated that “Since 2019, the UHCW (University Hospitals of Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust) has paid out more than £3.1m”.
What was more interesting, from a patient safety viewpoint, was that there had only been 25 reported incidents of negligence since 2019 and of these only 13 were compensated. If these figures are set against the number of gynaecological patients seen during that time, the percentage of those compensated is extremely small. The department sees 6500 gynaecology patients a year, equating to 32500 over the relevant 5-year period. If only 25 have raised an incident of negligence that translates to 0.08% of patients seen. If those figures accurately reflect concerns raised by patients, then the overwhelming majority of patients are treated well and have not suffered iatrogenic injury
However, if you are one of the unfortunate patients that has suffered, then these figures are meaningless but as I stated here, and in my earlier article, what sits behind the headlines?
The Coventry Telegraph article says the women suffered ‘unnecessary pain’ and ‘additional or unnecessary operations’ as a result of ‘intraoperative problems, failing to act on abnormal test results and failed sterilisation’.
What does that mean?
‘Intraoperative problems’ can cover a range of issues from a slight increased blood loss to a permanent debilitating injury to the bowel or bladder necessitating a colostomy for example.
‘Failing to act on abnormal test results’ can mean ignoring signs of cancer which, at a later date, may result in a hysterectomy and painful chemo and radio therapy.
A ‘failed sterilisation’ can be life changing if it leads to an unwanted pregnancy and the stress of delivering and bringing up another child or, the alternative, a termination.
From these examples, it is clear that a few words which may sound very simple and almost anodyne, have far reaching repercussions, not only for the physical and mental health and financial implications for the patient at the time of the negligence, but well into their future and may be life long.
Gynaecological issues are not only sensitive but often have long term impacts on the patients' quality of life. Gynaecological procedures are very personal, affecting reproductive health, emotional well-being, and physical comfort. For many women, an error in treatment or surgery can result in the loss of fertility, chronic pain, infections, and a diminished ability to lead a fulfilling life. The nature of these injuries is often invisible to the public eye, adding another layer of complexity when it comes to addressing the true scale of harm.
The financial consequences can be life changing too. Financial compensation is meant to cover both the immediate and long-term costs that stem from medical negligence. This can include expenses related to further medical treatments, rehabilitation, loss of income due to time off work, and, long-term care needs.
For many of the women affected, the consequences of negligence extend far beyond physical health. Emotional trauma, a loss of confidence, and a sense of betrayal by the healthcare system can be profound. The trust that patients place in medical professionals is shattered, and the mental health burden can be long-lasting. Psychological distress, including depression and anxiety, is common, particularly when patients are left with permanent injuries, such as infertility or chronic pain.
All of which affects the patient’s overall quality of life. Chronic pain, reduced mobility, infertility, and the emotional distress associated with these outcomes are not easily compensated. For many patients, these conditions are life-altering, and the amount of money awarded often pales in comparison to the profound personal losses they have endured.
As I stated in my earlier article, none of these patients will see any financial reward as a ‘win’. The compensation figure is high but rightly so given the pain they have endured. And sitting behind these figures are those who have suffered and are likely continuing to suffer.
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