News and Knowledge

Doctors allowed elderly dementia patient to refuse life-saving medication days before she died

According to Coroner Kate Bisset, one of the contributing factors to the death of an elderly woman with dementia, was the doctors’ choice to let her refuse medication despite her incapacity to make an ‘informed decision.’   On August 5, 2024, Rose Roberts, 75, a retired senior data entry worker from Rossendale was admitted to Royal…

Young Manchester mum dies from medical neglect after Sepsis misdiagnosis

Sharzia Bibi, a young mother from Manchester, tragically died due to medical negligence after sepsis misdiagnosis, at only 30 years old.   Sharzia was admitted to the hospital‘s emergency department on November 14, 2023, suffering from severe stomach pain and bleeding. Once admitted, medics failed to give her appropriate antibiotics to treat sepsis for more…

Care home to close following CQC findings of abuse and neglect

Blackwater Mill Residential Care Home in the Isle of Wight will shut on 29th March after its latest inspection revealed serious safety and wellbeing concerns.   According to the Care Quality Commission (CQC), residents at Blackwater Mill suffered from ‘organisational abuse and neglect.’     The closure was initially ordered after an inspection in March…

Death of 77-year-old after misdiagnosis sparks debate on Physician Associate role

The tragic case of Pamela Marking.   In February 2024, 77-year-old Pamela Marking went to A&E in East Surrey Hospital after vomiting blood and experiencing tenderness on her side.     She was seen by a Physician Associate (PA) who discharged her telling her she had a nosebleed. After 2 days Mrs. Marking went back…

NHS smear test misdiagnosis leads to invasive cancer surgery

Mother of two Aimee Wood, 39, was made to undergo surgery after going for an NHS smear test and receiving the wrong results telling her that they came back as normal.   This smear test error by Wolverhampton Hospital then led Miss Wood to have an invasive hysterectomy surgery that she did not need.    …

Man receives £11,000 compensation after years of neglect at hands of dentist

A man from Bury has received over £11,000 compensation due to years of dental pain, infections and eating difficulties.   56-year-old Iain experienced years of dental issues as a result of misdiagnosis and lack of treatment of decay in several of his teeth.     Due to this, Iain experienced fractured teeth, lost fillings and…

Evelin Chacko – Notes from the Inquest

Last week saw the opening of the Inquest touching on the death of Evelin Chacko.   We represent the family in this case which surround the admission of a child patient onto a complex care geriatric ward following an overdose. Whilst awaiting further assessments and a decision about her future care Evelin absconded from the…

Concerns over maternity care at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

At least 56 babies and two mothers have tragically died at Leeds Teaching Hospitals (LTH) NHS Trust over the last five years, with many families questioning whether these deaths could have been avoided.   The trust operates two maternity units: Leeds General Infirmary and St James’s University Hospital, both of which are rated ‘good’ by…

Care home safeguarding: What it is

Care homes play a crucial role in supporting some of the most vulnerable members of society, including older adults and individuals with disabilities.   As such, safeguarding is a key priority in these settings. This article explores the principles, practices, and importance of safeguarding within care environments. And what to do if you feel that…

Cervical Cancer Awareness Month 2025: Symptoms, smear tests and HPV explained

January marks Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, aimed at raising awareness of symptoms to look out for, highlighting the importance of getting screened and explaining what happens at a pap smear test appointment.   Cervical cancer develops from abnormal cell changes in the cervix. The presence of these cells does not cause symptoms but may be…