Mum had a botched NHS op, who can she complain to? compensation?

[april74]

My mum had an op on her wrist about a year ago, (NHS)it didn't not clear up the problem, in fact made it worse, my mum has been back and forth to the doctors and has now had her 2nd medical opinion and both have said that the surgeon has severed a few nerves.

My mum is not one to normal complain, but she has been unable to return to work because of this and is now receiving less than half of her salary due to long time sick. I have suggested that she looks into compensation as they are really struggling money wise because she has been unable to go to work, but wouldn't know the best place to start.

Any idea's?

.

If she wants compensation, she needs a lawyer who specialises in clinical negligence. But it will depend on whether this is a normal risk of this kind of operation and whether this was explained to your mother when she signed the consent form.

For complaining to the NHS, so she gets an explanation and an apology, she could start with her local Patients' Forum, part of the Primary Care Trust, who will advise her. Or the PALS service at the hospital - Patient Advocacy and Liaison Service - should be able to guide her through the complaints procedure. Or she could complain directly to the trust - but the PALS and the Patient Forum will explain how to word the complaint and the best place to send it.

thanks edam.

No it has been made clear by 2 doctors that the surgeon had a mistake.

I will pass your comments on to her.

Your mum should have a chat with a solicitor specialising in clinical negligence - you can serahc for your nearest one here : \link{http://www.lawsociety.org.uk/choosingandusing/findasolicitor.law\Law Society}- choosing Clinical Negligence as the "Area of Law". The first meeting is usually free, then they can suggest various routes for funding. You can also download information from websites such as this one : \link{http://www.irwinmitchell.com/Publications/Brochures.htm\Irwin Mitchell} on Medical Law & Patients Rights, which would be a good place to start. (Just picked that site at random because they're local to me and a very big firm, hence more likely to have downloadable information to start from).
Hope this helps

Irwin Mitchell handle a lot of clincial negligence cases so may be worth your mother getting in touch with them in particular. But there are other solicitors out there who specialise in this area.