RJW Investigates Reports Of Failures At Staffordshire Hospitals
Released
on: March 09, 2010, 7:26 am
Author: Russell Jones & Walker
Industry: Law
RJW is currently investigating cases of negligence after a
report by Robert Francis QC revealed a catalogue of failures at Mid
Staffordshire hospitals. An obsession with hitting targets led to the
neglect and unnecessary death of patients. In response, the Prime
Minister said that managers would be held to account for failures by
the Mid Staffordshire NHS Trust.
Francis warned that hospitals should understand that their excellence was not
guaranteed by their star rating: what matters is the way patients are treated.
"The story of Stafford shows graphically, and sadly, that benchmarks, comparative
ratings and foundation trust status do not in themselves bring to light serious and
systematic failings," he said.
Relatives of patients at Mid Staffordshire were unhappy that the report failed to
support calls by organisations such as AvMA (Action against Medical Accidents) for a
public enquiry.
Paul Sankey, specialist clinical negligence solicitor and partner at Russell Jones &
Walker (RJW) said: "What is needed is a patient-centred culture in which pursuing
targets does not detract from care. Sadly patients are too often been the victims of
errors which should have been avoided."
Russell Jones & Walker have a specialist team pursuing claims for people who have
suffered serious harm as a result of avoidable medical accidents. They have recently
recovered a 7-figure award for a brain injury claim on behalf of a man who suffered the injury after doctors failed to carry out a
planned investigation and to prevent a stroke. They have also won compensation for
the husband of a woman who died of skin cancer and another who died of lung cancer.
Other cases concern people whose fractures were not diagnosed where the wrong tests
were done or x-rays misinterpreted. They are currently involved in claims against
the Mid Staffordshire NHS Trust.
RJW has a specialist medical negligence claims department with experts accredited by the Law Society and AvMA who handle claims for
damages arising from clinical negligence. With its network of offices across the
country RJW can assist with claims nationwide.
About Russell Jones & Walker
Russell Jones & Walker is a leading national firm of solicitors dedicated to
upholding the legal rights of individuals. From the firms foundation in the 1920s
the focus has and continues to be, people and those who represent them.
The firm has grown from its trade union roots into a respected national organisation
with nine offices across England and Wales, and an associated office in Scotland.
The reputation of Russell Jones & Walker is built on the range of expertise offered
by its partners and staff and on the scope of their practical experience.
RJW Solicitors represents clients across a range of areas from personal injury
claims work to commercial
and criminal litigation, defamation, reputation management, clinical negligence,
including cancer claims, as well as providing specialties as employment lawyers and fraud lawyers.
For further information contact:
Paul Sankey
Russell Jones & Walker
50-52 Chancery Lane
London
WC2A 1HL
0207 657 1425
www.rjw.co.uk
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