News and Knowledge

Sodium Valproate and Pregnancy

Sodium valproate is a medicine that can be an effective treatment for both epilepsy and bipolar disorder. These medicines include Epilim and Depakote.   However, research has shown that taking Epilim or Depakote during pregnancy carries many risks. Despite this research, data has revealed that it is still being prescribed to pregnant women.    …

Nearly 40% of cancers are diagnosed when patients go to A&E

A recent Daily Mail article focuses on the story of Caron Nolan, who was dismissed by multiple GPs for months saying her symptoms are just an infection. In fact, it led to a major surgery for advanced bladder cancer.   This is a six-to-eight-hour operation which will lead to her needing to wear a urostomy…

Shrewsbury Maternity Negligence Scandal

Shrewsbury maternity negligence scandal: better care might have saved 201 babies   Our experts at Oakwood Solicitors provide a breakdown of Shrewsbury maternity negligence scandal. A recent interim report has found that the Maternity services at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust were fixated on natural delivery and for the last 20 years, they have…

Stool Sample Diagnosis For Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, but it is hoped that a new study can aid in increasing the survival rate of persons diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.   Read about this new study here. The reason that pancreatic cancer is so deadly is that it is normally diagnosed very late as the early…

A&E ambulance waiting times highest since records began

The current pandemic has resulted in an overstretched NHS. However, nearly 13,000 patients waiting more than 12 hours and this an extremely long time to wait, with ambulance waiting time also being affected.   The level of NHS absences due to Omicron are said to be the reason behind the delays. The Independent reports that…

Record Levels of NHS Patients Waiting For Treatment

The NHS currently has 6 million patients that are waiting to start routine hospital treatment. This is the highest amount of people that are waiting since records began. Sky news has recently reported the figures noting that there is a worrying 12-hour waiting time in A & E in some areas.   It is highly…

Bristol Royal Hospital for Children Makes “Catalogue of Failings”

Recently reported in the press is the story of Ben Condon, who was born on the 17th of February 2015 at Southmead Hospital Bristol. He was born prematurely, at 29 weeks, weighing under 3lb.   Ben remained at Southmead Hospital in the neonatal intensive care unit for six weeks ahead of going home. Unfortunately, Ben…

Young Woman Suffers Fourth-Degree Perineal Tear, Requiring A Colostomy Bag

Kayleigh Adams, 25, was a former triathlete representing Great Britain and was extremely active before she suffered this injury.   During the delivery of her first child in 2017, Kayleigh suffered a fourth degree perineal tear following a forceps delivery. After giving birth to her son, Kayleigh was rushed into theatre because of the extent…

Concerns Over Waiting Lists at GPs and A&E in Wales

The current pandemic has resulted in an overstretched NHS that is struggling to keep up with routine patients.   A further delay has been seen by patients being referred by their GPs. This has been noted by the watchdog as a ‘crisis of access’. BBC News reports that people are now suffering with long delays…

Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month

Gynaecological Cancer effects over 21,000 women in the UK each year, which is why it is so important to raise awareness of the symptoms for early diagnosis, prevention strategies and the way in which it can be treated.   Cervical, Ovarian, Uterine, Vaginal and Vulval cancer all fall under the umbrella of Gynaecological cancer, as…