News and Knowledge

NHS hospital admits cutting off six people’s limbs by mistake

An NHS hospital has admitted to cutting off the limbs of six people by mistake during routine operations.   York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust admitted to the failures, which took place over a three-year period due to medical negligence. Figures show that four amputations were performed in 2020, and another two were…

Sleep apnea machines could put people at risk of cancer, research suggests

Machines to help people with Sleep apnea breathe could be putting them at risk of cancer, research suggests.   More than a dozen Philips Respironics machines which are designed to deliver pressurised air through a mask have been issued two field safety notices (FSN) to alert users that there could be a potential safety risk…

NHS Trust paid out £101 million over failings in maternity care, figures reveal

An NHS Trust has paid out £101million over more than 100 failings in maternity care, figures reveal.   Nottingham University Hospitals are currently the subject of a major inquiry as hundreds of baby deaths and injuries are being examined. The NHS Trust, which covers Nottingham City Hospital and Queen’s Medical Centre paid out £85,518,419 in damages and…

Martha’s Rule to give NHS patients urgent access to second opinion

Martha’s Rule is set to be implemented in 100 NHS hospitals in April, to allow patients to seek an urgent second opinion if they feel they are not getting the care they need.   The new legislation is to be rolled out across 100 NHS hospitals to give patients and their families round-the-clock access to…

NHS hospital admits failings which resulted in ‘avoidable’ patient death

An NHS hospital has admitted its failings of care for a patient who died in 2019 after being investigated for alleged Medical Negligence.   The investigation comes after the death of Ralph Sims, 65 who died after undergoing heart surgery at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton. Mr. Sims suffered a sudden drop in blood…

Cancer waiting times at worst level on record in 2023 

A study conducted by BBC News has revealed that cancer waiting times in England during 2023 reached their worst level on record.   The figures show that only 64.1% of patients started treatment within 62 days of their suspected cancer diagnosis, leaving nearly 100,000 individuals waiting longer than expected for critical care.     This…

Pelvic mesh: Calls for new legal redress scheme for injured patients 

Patients harmed by pelvic mesh implants have been left disappointed with the legal system as their battle for compensation continues to be drawn out.   England’s patient safety commissioner, Dr. Henrietta Hughes, highlights in the Hughes Report, published this week, that the absence of an independent body to oversee compensation claims is unsustainable and is…

NHS Trust accused of ‘avoidable baby deaths’ by whistleblowers

Concerns have been raised about an NHS maternity service as whistleblowers say the poor culture and staff shortages have led to avoidable baby deaths.   Former midwives at Gloucestershire Hospital NHS Trust have revealed the issues within the hospital while speaking to BBC Panorama. Devastating stories were heard due to the NHS failings. This included…

NHS suffering ‘worst heart care crisis in living memory’, figures show

Early deaths from heart disease have hit the highest level in more than a decade, as the NHS suffers from its ‘worst heart care crisis in living memory.’   According to statistics, the latest figures show that heart disease killed 80 out of 100,000 in 2022 – the highest rate since 2011. The increase comes…

Childbirth deaths hit highest level in two decades, figures show

New data has revealed that women are dying in childbirth at the same rate as two decades ago.   The concerning figures come after an analysis from found England’s healthcare regulator that two-thirds of NHS maternity units are deemed ‘not safe enough’. An independent review into maternity deaths shows that 293 women died during pregnancy…