A lawyer specialising in clinical negligence cases has welcomed new guidance recommending that all patients admitted to hospital in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are assessed for the risk of dangerous blood clots.
An estimated 25,000 people die each year from clots in veins of the legs, known as deep vein thrombosis or DVT, and now the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) is focusing on reducing the risks posed by this avoidable condition.
Daniel Lee, a clinical negligence specialist lawyer with Fentons Solicitors LLP, said the plan for Ministers to penalise trusts that failed to act on the guidelines should be seen as a call to action.
"Under the new guidelines, Primary Care Trusts could penalise hospitals that fail to screen at least 90% of their patients by withholding a percentage of their budget," he said. "This would equate to several millions of pounds for the larger institutions."
DVT can be fatal if the clot breaks off and travels in the blood up to the lungs and causes a blockage, known as a pulmonary embolism. "From our work with doctors, we understand that prevention is relatively straightforward, involving leg compression stockings plus a small shot of a blood thinning drug for those at high risk," said Daniel.
"Certain people admitted to hospital are known to be at very high risk of problems - such as those who will be bed-ridden for a long time, those undergoing extensive surgery and patients who are very overweight," he said. "But this new guideline states all adult patients, without exception, should be assessed on being admitted to hospital."
"We welcome any such initiative which is focused on helping to save patients' lives," he said.
How can Fentons Solicitors help?
Fentons has a specialist department experienced in handling claims relating to clinical and medical negligence. If you think that you have a case or require further information, contact Fentons on 0800 019 1297 or fill in the online claims questionnaire.
Source - BBC
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