In 2021, the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) published a report which looked into repeated mistakes in how X-rays, CT scans and other types of medical scans were being read and used to treat patients. The rationale from the report was to encourage learning and to try to prevent further similar mistakes from occurring. Worryingly though, since then, in the last 4 years, the PHSO has upheld, or partially upheld, 45 cases which include similar failures.
Rebecca Hilsenrath KC, PHSO, has said:
“Each of the cases we have investigated and upheld represent a real person whose life has been impacted by failings in care. They are also all instances where the organisations involved failed to identify that anything had gone wrong…In our 2021 report we recommended a system-wide programme of improvements for more effective and timely management of X-rays and scans. While we have seen some progress in this area, unfortunately we are still seeing instances where people’s care is sub-optimal, often with devastating consequences.’
All too often here at Stephensons, we see clients who have had their digital imaging incorrectly reported. This can range from a failure to diagnose a fracture on an X-ray to cases in which there has been a failure to correctly identify and report a malignancy. Sadly, in a number of those latter cases, when the cancer is finally diagnosed, it can be too late to commence curative treatment. We are often instructed by the family of a loved one, who has devastatingly passed away prematurely, following a delay in diagnosis.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to the negligence of a medical or health professional then we may be able to help you pursue a claim for compensation. Our leading team of experts are on hand to offer advice, so please get in touch with us on 0161 696 6165 or complete our online enquiry form and we will contact you directly.
