Hospital openly and on record admit errors in care leading to death. Advice please.

[Fuuuuuckit]

My mum died earlier this year, suddenly and unexpectedly within 38 hours of admission to hospital. A review was held which led to an investigation.

The results of that investigation are an admission of a catalogue of errors and missed opportunities. I've read the notes, the timeline, the conclusion, the recommendations and the apology. They admitted both verbally and in writing that her death was preventable.

She had no dependents or spouse. A friend has suggested legal action, I don't know where to start. Morally/ethically/legally/is it worth the continued MH trauma and no doubt not insignificant costs?

Find a solicitor who specialises in, and who has a proven track record in, medical negligence. They'll be best place to give you advice. The Law Society also has details of suitable practitioners. They won't necessarily be local to you but you do need a specialist.

Contact AvMA. They were helpful to me when my DF died as a result of medical negligence.

www.avma.org.uk/help-advice/

If you've legal cover on your house insurance this may cover it

I am sorry for your loss but why do you want to pursue a claim? Any damages will be minimal and may take time (and potentially) cause you more pain. I say this as someone who used to be involved in PI and medical negligence cases - and in circumstances like your own I saw little relief from legal action (which really can take years).

I'm sorry for your loss. I have no knowledge of this at all but I do understand why you would want to pursue this.

I can't imagine seeing this type of information written down and not doing anything with it. A PP asked why you would want to pursue it. Why? Because this death was preventable. What else would you do with the info? Just close the letter and move on? I couldn't.

Well, maybe doing so would force them to implement changes so that it doesn't happen to another family. If they don't need cash it could go to an appropriate charity?

I've had a doctor friend read through the report. He is appalled, their so called implementations should be standard practice. They've not spoken to the doctor that 'cared' for her initially (mis diagnosed then treated inappropriately for the misdiagnosed condition). They've blamed the doctor but not specified who has completed each step, why decisions were made, why time-critical observations were missed, why time-critical treatments not given. They left it 3 hours before realising that something was going spectacularly wrong before speaking to me (and I called them) and in my friend's opinion took her to ICU with almost zero chance it would make any difference to her outcome which also meant that she couldn't have any visitors until it was too late rather than offer palliative care with (covid tested negative) family present.

I'm angry. So so angry. I was on the premises when the first catastrophic decisions were made but they claimed no family history available, they didn't include VERY VERY relevant recent history of similar admissions at all in the report. It's a hospital-wide fuck up.

My father in law was killed by the negligence of the NHS, and they admitted their errors in their report to us on his death. We sued and won, and we also got costs. Sue them, we didn't hesitate. We were so angry and appalled at the horrific treatment he received, and the fact that he died alone in dreadful pain because of the stupid covid regs. My anger at the NHS still knows no bounds.

What do you hope for? They’ve already admitted responsibility. Are you looking for a cash payout? Or something from the Dr responsible?

I wish people could sue the government in cases like this - right out of Boris, or whoever's pocket. The NHS has been left in dire straights and is not operating safely. Having said that, a couple of big compensation cases may at least provide a business case for more funding.

@Fuuuuuckit

I am SO sorry. So very sorry. It's hard enough to lose a parent anyway, but I cannot imagine just how devastating that was to read. Xx

I would want blood! Heads to roll and PROPER changes to be made, not just lip service and I think taking them to court is really the only way.

it's not about the money, it's about the accountability, but should you get any money use it make your life as stable as you can & get some counselling xx