Stress Awareness Blog: Learning From Mistakes

In support of Stress Awareness Month, each day this week we will share a personal experience from one of our team members who communicate how they dealt with, or learnt from, a stressful experience.

Customer Contact Team Administrator, Diane McKay opens the series:

“Working for a large supermarket, I took on a higher role and I was made up because it was still within the department I loved.

The hours were long and the job involved hard, physical labour and it meant stepping in to several roles on any given day.

My mistake was believing I had to prove myself against two other people in the same role.

I started work at 5am, often after finishing a shift at 10pm the previous day.

I took shorter lunches and wouldn’t have chance to take a break during a 12 hour shift and I covered absences at short notice.

All the while I thought that the work I was putting in was appreciated by management.

Sadly, it wasn’t.

It took finding onions in my steak pie one day and breaking down in tears to realise that I really was unhappy and my family life was suffering because of it all.

I just simply had to do something.

In the end, I applied for a job here as a receptionist.

I realised that I’m not invincible and my mistake was not delegating work and letting others take advantage.

Not long after leaving, I finally started to experience a happy work/life balance.”

Pregnant woman’s symptoms mistaken for early menopause

A woman has had a baby after medics mistook her pregnancy symptoms for the menopause.   The woman in her 40s, first went to her doctor in July 2017, with complaints of an irregular menstrual cycle. They did a pregnancy test which was negative but she was referred for blood tests and an ultrasound scan as she had previously had a cyst on her ovary.   The blood test results came back with no significant issues and she went for her ultrasound which noted “left adnexal tubular structure suggestive of a hydrosalpinx” and she was referred to gynaecology.   A couple of months later she was prescribed Provera to help with her bleeding. Then in January of the following year she attended hospital to see a specialist who diagnosed her with early menopause. In May, she attended the Early Menopause Clinic as she was suffering with night sweats, fatigue and pain in her breast and back.   She was diagnosed with premature ovarian insufficiency. She was in fact pregnant but didn’t find this out until she was 27 weeks.   In August she went back to her GP to discuss her medication due to low blood pressure, weight gain and tiredness. The GP requested further blood tests and an ultrasound scan. A week later she called her GP for blood results and was advised that her thyroid levels were normal but her blood pressure was on the lower side of normal and she had evidence of raised white cells.   Just a week later she went back to the GP after doing a positive pregnancy test. It was discussed that due to a diagnosis of early menopause she had been having sexual intercourse without contraception. She was then referred for an ultrasound scan which found her to be between 26 and 30 weeks pregnant. She felt unable to continue with the pregnancy as she already had two grown up children and didn’t want another. She requested a re-scan to determine how many weeks she was and the identified gestation was 27 weeks and six days, which is over the limit for a pregnancy termination.   During her admission she received differing diagnoses of the child having Down’s syndrome and heart defects, which had an impact on her psychological state. After a private scan, she was advised that the baby had Down’s Syndrome and a heart defect. She requested a referral to a specialist who subsequently revealed that there were no concerns and the baby was healthy.   The baby was delivered by Caesarean section a couple of weeks later and the baby had no health issues.   She contacted Fletchers Solicitors to pursue a case on her behalf against London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust.   The woman believes that had she not been incorrectly diagnosed as being in the early stages of menopause, or had been adequately advised of the risks of pregnancy during the early onset of menopause, she would have continued to use contraception. If this had happened, on the balance of probability, she would not have fallen pregnant in or around February 2017.   She would also not have carried a baby full term and would not have had to deliver via C-section. She would also have avoided the pain and scarring that she suffered.   Had an adequate sexual history been taken from her in her appointments, it would have been apparent before prescribing Femostan that there was a risk that she could be pregnant and the failure to consider this possibility led to the inappropriate prescription of Femostan.   She was awarded £12,000 by the Trust.   Chloe Westwell, a medical negligence solicitor at Fletchers Solicitors, said: “This case highlights the importance of having thorough discussions with patients, understanding their medical history and providing the correct advice. We hope the compensation will help her to move on from this ordeal.”

Blog: New blood test could be key in defeating indiscriminate cancer

Written by Medical Negligence Solicitor and Team Leader, Patricia Hitchen

Cancer is indiscriminate

We are all affected by cancer. It accounts for more than a quarter of all deaths in the UK and it affects everyone. Above all, it is indiscriminate of the lives it effects.

Cancer’s diagnosis is a protracted and challenging process with the disease remaining one of the leading causes of death. Consequently, blood tests have become a useful tool in diagnosing cancer.

American Research brings hope

Unfortunately, a lot of cancers are not caught until the later stages and this is largely due to a lack of effective diagnostic tools. However, there is hope.

American researchers have developed a ground-breaking new blood test that can detect cancerous cells with ‘a high degree of accuracy’. Moreover, it can spot more than 20 different types of cancer by noticing unique patterns.

Those behind the research believe the blood test will result in earlier treatment. The study’s lead author, Dr Geoffrey Oxnard of Boston’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, part of Harvard Medical School, said:

Detecting even a modest per cent of common cancers early could translate into patients being able to receive more effective treatment.

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Delays cost lives unnecessarily

If the test became available on the NHS this could become the key to screening people earlier for cancer treatment. In other words, it could save numerous lives.

I’ve subsequently seen the confusion and destruction that delays to cancer treatment cause. Delays cost lives unnecessarily.

We also know from international treatment, when cancer is diagnosed earlier, the tumours are smaller and the risk of that cancer spreading is reduced.

Let’s climb the cancer survival league table

The UK is two decades behind in the international league tables for cancer survival. To start climbing those tables we must start to detect cancer sooner and ensure the best treatment is readily available on the NHS. In doing so, will prevent cancer metastasising and increase the survival rate.

Finally, I’ve seen family members affected by bowel and breast cancer and witnessed first-hand the ravaging effects. I cannot stress enough the importance of early detection and treatment. Even if were able to detect even a small per cent of the common cancers that affect us all, we are opening the door to more effective treatment.

Motorcyclist receives £140,000 after vehicle collision

A motorcyclist has received £140,000 in a serious injury settlement after another vehicle pulled out of a major road and caused a collision.

Mr A received his compensation after Solicitor, Kirsty Thomas and Assistant, Katie Rutter successfully took representation of his case.

The serious injury team argued the third party pulled out from a minor road into a major road when it was unsafe to do so.

This ultimately led to the collision.

Consequently, Mr A sustained nasty injuries and spent three weeks in John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford.

He received surgery for:

  • A right knee fracture.
  • Left wrist fracture.
  • Multiple rib fractures.
  • Left knee soft tissue injuries.
  • Scarring.
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Mr A underwent multiple surgeries after the collision

In February 2018, he was re-admitted for another week due to an infection.

Then in March 2018, an additional operation was performed on his leg resulting in another short hospital stay.

Aside from the physical debilitation, Mr A received intensive psychological treatment in the wake of the incident.

Because of this, the accident had a significant impact on his employment and family life, particularity with caring for a young child at home.

Katie and Kirsty managed to obtain additional support by way of a cleaner, taxi account and additional child care.

What’s more, Mr A now receives physiotherapy to aid his recovery.

Since the client’s surgeries, he has started to show real progress.

Mr A has been on a family holiday recently and is back at work enjoying the job he did previously.

As a precaution, he continues to attend appointments in relation to his injuries in the hope of preventing any further infections or complications.

In reflection of the case, Katie Rutter said:

Mr A is a lovely client and we are so happy that we have been able to obtain a good result and settle his case for him.

This will allow him to move on from the whole ordeal and spend some quality time with his wife and child. We wish you all the best in the future.

In conclusion, Mr A told us.

All I can say; my case handlers have been brilliant. Thank you, Katie and Kirsty.

I would like to thank Katie and Kirsty for all their hard work in doing my case, thank you very much. I would definitely recommend Fletchers.

Comment: A different route into Law at Fletchers

Written by Trainee Solicitor, Chloe Westwell.

Traditionally, one of the most popular ways to break into the legal field and become a solicitor was to obtain a degree and complete a Legal Practice Course. You’d have to deal with hundreds of knocks backs in trying to obtain a training contract, before completing 18-24 months’ work experience, including plenty of coffee, before finally being admitted to the roll of Solicitors.

These days, more and more people are looking at different ways to obtain a career in law.

One of the most popular paths into the legal profession is the legal apprenticeship scheme which gives students a direct route to qualification as a solicitor.

It is a new scheme which was introduced in 2016 which has been approved as part of the government’s programme to reform and improve apprenticeships.

The scheme will enable students to gain invaluable work experience, in the legal sector, during paid employment in a law firm or an in-house legal team whilst having the opportunity to gain professional qualifications along the way.

The legal apprenticeship is a level 7 apprenticeship which will normally take a person five and six years to complete in full, and is aimed at all aspiring lawyers whether you are a school leaver, someone looking to work in the legal profession or as an alternative to university.

Many law firms such as Fletchers Solicitors are now offering these apprenticeships as well as in-house legal departments such as M&S, Coca Cola and, more recently,TUI.

In order to complete the apprenticeship and qualify as a solicitor, an apprentice must hold and pass all of the below criteria:

  • Pass both stages of the SQE which is a two stage examination known as the Solicitors Qualifying Examination which you will need to complete during the apprenticeship programme.
  • Have a degree or equivalent
  • Have a substantial period of qualifying work experience
  • Satisfy the character and suitability requirements.

Therefore, pursuing this route to qualification is not easy, and it is not for the faint-hearted, but has some fantastic benefits. A successful candidate embarking on their new career will not be tied down by the ever increasing costs of education fees.

Qualifications can be obtained for a lifelong successful career without any student loans. Also, as an apprentice you will develop confidence and a wide set of transferable skills that are attractive to all employers. You can begin a career potentially straight from school, becoming a respected and valuable member of a team whilst working alongside professionals full of knowledge to share, all whilst receiving a wage.

One of our Legal Apprentices at Fletchers Solicitors, Joshua Whittam has passed us his comments on why he chose the apprenticeship scheme:

“The apprenticeship is simply the best way of qualifying, progressing through education whilst simultaneously gaining invaluable workplace experience is the perfect foundation to start my career. It is by no means a breeze, there is a lot of work involved but I feel equipped to step into the role of a solicitor.”

Complications of the contraceptive implant

Written by Millie Kirby, a junior litigation executive in the Medical Negligence department

The contraceptive implant is a form of contraception used by thousands of women in the UK. It is a small rod which is inserted into the arm and slowly releases progestogen into the bloodstream over the course of three years. The implant is inserted by a trained doctor with a minor procedure and for many women it is a reliable form of contraception with which there are no issues or complications.

The first form of contraceptive implant was invented in 1967 in America; however, it was brought into the UK in 1993 and it has been altered and made much safer and more reliable since.

However, over the years the contraceptive implant has been used, some women have suffered major complications aside from the usual side effects contraceptive methods can cause.

As the contraceptive implant is inserted under the skin, there is a small risk that it can move around the body. In most cases where this happens, it is not a major issue. An ultrasound scan is usually used to try and locate the implant and removal can be fairly easy once the implant is located.

However, there have been some cases where the contraceptive implant has moved and cannot be located. In this case, concerns are raised as to whether a woman’s fertility will be affected due to the constant release of hormones into the body. Although it should be noted that the release of progestogen is significantly reduced after three years of the implant being inserted.

There have also been some extreme cases noted where contraceptive implants have wondered around women’s bodies and into a lung. In these cases, chest surgeons had to operate in order to remove the implant via a mini-thoracotomy.

Despite reports of these cases with complications of the contraceptive implant, many women in the UK use this method of contraception effectively and do not experience these complications.

Vehicle hit and run on 22-year-old cyclist ends in £7,500 settlement

A 22 year old woman was left with psychological trauma and physical injuries after being knocked off her bike on a roundabout.

Monique Sapla was cycling round a roundabout in Ealing, London, in the correct lane, when a car cut across her path as she attempted to exit the roundabout.

Monique, who works as a waitress, was correctly proceeding in the single lane to go straight on at the roundabout. The third party was just behind her to the left. The third party cut around her and across her path which caused the collision.

Monique was knocked off her bike and the driver of the car drove away.

Monique suffered left knee pain for eight months and right knee pain for around nine months due to a soft tissue injury. She also had bruising on the upper and lower extremities for three weeks.

She suffered with psychological trauma and felt shocked and shaken for around six months after the accident. The psychological impact included her having mood swings, loss of confidence and travel anxieties.

Monique had to have time off work and also had financial loss. She needed help with day to day activities for around seven months and her sports life was affected.

After contacting Fletchers Solicitors following the accident in 2016, they acted on her behalf and she was awarded £7,500.

Chloe Westwell, trainee solicitor at Fletchers Solicitors who dealt with the case, said: “I hope this case highlights the importance of driving safely on the roads and in particular on roundabouts. I hope the compensation can help Miss Sapla to move on from her injuries.”

Three unnecessary chemotherapy treatments for wrong cancer results in 77-year-old receiving £12,500

A 77-year-old man has received £12,500 in compensation after experiencing three unnecessary cycles of chemotherapy when a hospital failed to appropriately diagnose a return of prostate cancer.

 

Gary Voller, 77 From Hertfordshire, received compensation after Fletchers Solicitor’s Fiona Swarbrick represented him in a case against the Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust in Essex.

 

The Essex-based hospital agreed a settlement after admitting to incorrectly diagnosing the Claimant’s cancer as bladder cancer rather than prostate cancer and providing chemotherapy treatment to Mr Voller when it was inappropriate and unnecessary to do so.

 

Speaking on behalf of Mr Voller’s experience, Fiona said:

 

“Being diagnosed with cancer is always an emotional and distressing time.

 

“To add to Mr Voller’s distress, he had to endure 3 sessions of unnecessary chemotherapy.

 

“These sessions were clearly very upsetting for him and could easily have been avoided had the correct diagnosis been made by the Trust.

 

We hope this award goes some way to helping Mr Voller move forward with his life.”

 

Mr Voller, now retired and a full time Carer for his wife, first underwent radical radiotherapy for prostate cancer in 1995 which involved a perianal prostatectomy.

 

Four years later, Mr Voller experienced bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy due to adenocarcinoma.

 

When Mr Voller was first made aware of the cancer (1995), he was the picture of health working for a drug company in Essex.

 

After initial treatment to the cancer over a ten-year period, Mr Voller generally felt well in himself but did still hold concerns around his prostate.

 

Mr Voller and his wife moved away from Hartford to Clacton in Essex and in 2007 he started experiencing similar symptoms to when he first became ill in 1995 and believed that for the good of his family, he would be better moving back to Hertfordshire.

 

Throughout 2011, Mr Voller’s PSA levels (indicative of prostate cancer) were noted to be rising and in Jan 2012, he was wrongly-diagnosed with bladder cancer and obtained three cycles of chemotherapy.

 

In this time, Mr Voller’s prostate cancer had actually returned and he had just started caring for his wife who required Alzheimer’s care.

 

Mr Voller moved to Cotton Drive, Hartford, in 2013 but continued to attend the Princess Alexandra Trust.

 

After falling ill again, Mr Voller’s diagnosis should have been for prostate cancer (instead of bladder cancer) where he should have started a course of effective treatment.

 

This treatment was not in fact started until 1 year later, which would have prevented the tumour from having a further year’s growth and after Mr Voller had had 3 sessions of unnecessary chemotherapy.

 

This prompted Mr Voller to contact Fletchers Solicitors for legal representation where a claim was made for three unnecessary cycles of chemotherapy and the delay in the correct treatment commencing and associated pain and suffering.

 

In conclusion to the case, a settlement was agreed between the Trust and Mr Voller whereby the hospital admitted that had Mr Voller been given the correct cancer diagnosis, he would have avoided the chemotherapy and started appropriate treatment 1 year earlier.

Comment: Systematic failures are to blame for the closure of Kent’s GP surgeries

Fletchers Solicitor’s Litigation Execute, Daniel Crowder believes systematic failures are the reason four GP surgeries have closed in Kent.

Daniel’s comments are in response to the news four GP surgeries have closed due to the Care Quality Commission’s concerns into the surgeries’ standards of care.

Elmdene Surgery joins:

  • Joydens Wood Medical Centre
  • Bean Surgery
  • and Bennett Way Surgery

In closing until further notice.

Daniel hopes that those at the heart of the surgeries’ downfall can be held accountable.

Daniel told us:

This is another example of surgeries failing to meet the CQC’s minimum standards of care. The closure is staggering and the decision will not have been taken lightly.

Clearly there are systemic failures that demonstrate a real cause for concern for patient safety and inadequate practices.

Furthermore, this temporary closure is likely to add a tremendous strain on the remaining local services.

Hopefully, the temporary suspension by the CQC will ensure the practices drastically improve their standards and put patient safety first.

It is only by drawing attention to failures such as these that changes can be brought about.

Janet Ortega, the CQC’s head of inspection for general practice, hopes the report will be published in full “in due course.”

Meanwhile, more than 10,000 patients will lose their local doctor’s surgery as a result of the decision.

Blog: Preventable allergy deaths and why they’re on the rise

Written by Fletchers Solicitor’s Medical Negligence Solicitor, Francesca Paul

The inquest into teenager Shante Turay-Thomas began at St Pancras Coroner’s Court this week.

Those present heard that the 18-year-old told her mother “I’m going to die” after a suspected allergic reaction.

Turay-Thomas died at her home in Wood Green, North London in September 2018 after eating food thought to contain hazelnuts.

Things took a turn for the worse after the ambulance went to the wrong address and her adrenaline pen failed, the court heard.

When Ms Turay-Thomas eventually arrived at hospital, she died within a matter of hours.

“Shante’s death has left a hole in our family,” her mother told the BBC.

Food allergy transparency

Firstly, Ms Turay-Thomas’ death is not uncommon.

Owen Carey and Natasha Ednan-Laperouse died after suffering anaphylactic reactions. Why? They both ate food containing contents they were severely allergic to.

In short, we now believe the pair were misled in respect of the ingredients that they had ingested.

Since their deaths, Natasha’s family set up the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation which campaigns for greater transparency on all food packaging.

Allergy statistics

The number of young people who receive hospital treatment because of allergies has increased by 65 per cent in the last five years.

In addition, food allergies affect about 7% of children in the UK, according to Kings College London,

Sadly, those who suffer from food allergies also have a greater risk of drug allergies.

First-hand experience with allergy cases

Regrettably, I have experience acting for clients who have suffered anaphylactic reactions.

Some cases are because of drug prescription errors and some are a result of food allergies.

I personally live with severe food and drug allergies and I’m required to carry medication in case I fall sick.

I understand the fear that clients experience when suffering from anaphylactic reactions. Moreover, I welcome greater public awareness of allergies.

I hope campaigns such as #NatashasArmy result in fewer deaths from food and drug allergies.

Comment: New NHS funding welcome, but don’t forget essential repair costs

In response to a new £1.8 billion NHS proposal, Senior Solicitor, Sion Wynne is hopeful the government will include essential repair costs in their planning.

According to the announcement, 20 hospitals are to receive £850 million to improve patient care.

As a result, patients are to expect more beds, new equipment and additional wards.

Sion said.

The Prime Minister’s eye-catching NHS funding announcement seems to be him making good in advance of his promises.

Many medical injuries and deaths have links to poor patient care.

Also, many pressures reflect understaffing and a lack of funds.

So, overall, this is good news.

Speaking yesterday, the PM said:

The NHS is always there for us – free at the point of use for everyone in the country.

With our doctors and nurses working tirelessly day in day out, this treasured institution truly showcases the best of Britain.

That’s why it is my immediate task to make sure frontline services have the funding they need, to make a real difference to the lives of NHS staff, and above all, patients.

Today I’m delivering on this promise with a £1.8 billion cash injection – meaning more beds, new wards, and extra life-saving equipment to ensure patients continue to receive world-class care.

It’s time to face up to this challenge and make sure the NHS receives the funds it needs, to continue being the best healthcare service in the world.

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The Government say they will fund new beds, new wards and better equipment

However, there are reports less than half the amount will go towards funding new projects.

Ben Gershlick, from the Health Foundation charity, told Sky News:

‘Years of under-investment means the £1.8bn injection risks being little more than a drop in the ocean.’

Whilst, Sally Gainsbury, Senior Policy Analyst at the Nuffield Trust Think-tank, tweeted.

…it’s the equivalent of giving someone cash then banning them from spending it, only to expect cheers of jubilation when you later decide they can spend it after all.”

On balance, Sion understands why there is a call for greater clarity.

£1 billion is mostly from NHS Trust savings.

Moreover, 6 billion is the apparent cost of essential repairs.

Therefore, there are understandably demands for a full review of comprehensive, long-term funding for the NHS.

For more information and a full breakdown of the proposal, visit:

www.gov.uk/government/news/pm-announces-extra-18-billion-for-nhs-frontline-services

89-year-old woman dies one year after falling out of nursing home bed

A woman with a phobia of falling out of bed died after her carers failed to put her bed rail up and she was found on the floor during the night.

Vera Predeth, aged 89, was referred to Sundridge Developments, trading as Edenvale Nursing Home, Hampshire in September 2017 to improve her mobility and confidence following a hospital stay.

A bed rails assessment was carried out which confirmed that Vera had impaired mobility and a fear of falling out of bed whilst she was asleep. Due to this fear, she specifically requested for her bed rails to be up.

It was identified that Vera was to have her bed rails up due to her being at risk of a fall. At the beginning of October she was found on the floor, lying on her stomach having fallen out of bed. Her bed rails had not been put up.

An ambulance was called and Vera was taken to Queen Alexandra Hospital. It was identified that she had suffered a minor head injury and was admitted to hospital for management and pain control. A few days later she was diagnosed with an intra-capsular neck of femur fracture. It was considered that she didn’t need surgical treatment and that she should be managed conservatively.

Vera was discharged from hospital at the beginning of November 2017 and then went to live with her daughter who cared for her.

Sadly, Vera died just 11 months later. Prior to the incident, Vera was mobile with a zimmer frame and used a wheelchair for longer distances. Following her fracture, she was bed bound and required 24 hour care and never regained her previous level of cognition.

If it hadn’t been for the negligent treatment which resulted in her fall out of bed, Vera would have returned to her previous mobility levels and she would not have required the level of care that she did and her cognitive levels would not have deteriorated as they did.

Following the incident, Vera contacted Fletchers Solicitors to take on a claim for negligence against Sundridge Developments Ltd. As she passed away midway through the claim, her daughter took over the case, having assisted her mother throughout the litigation process already. She was awarded £40,000 by Sundridge Developments following the negligent treatment.

Hannah Ashcroft is the medical negligence solicitor who dealt with her case.

She said:

“The past 12 to 18 months have been very difficult for Vera and her family following the injuries Vera sustained. Her daughter, Jane, and the family had to make life changing adjustments to care for Vera following her injury and decline in cognitive condition. The loss of Vera prior to the conclusion of her claim was very difficult for everybody but we are pleased to have brought the claim to a successful conclusion in justice for Vera and whilst money will not change what happened, we hope the compensation will bring some comfort to Jane and her family. We wish Jane the very best for a happy future.”

Speaking about her dealings with Fletchers, Jane Farrell, said:

“It was an absolutely fantastic experience throughout. From the start to finish I was treated with respect compassion and a first class service and I would not hesitate in using again or recommending to others. Hannah Ashcroft in particular is a credit to the team.”