We are carrying out an investigation into incidents at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust. If you were a patient at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust between 2014 and 2015 and suffered substandard care then get in touch.
Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust Safety Incidents
All hospitals have a duty of care to their patients. Whether it is due to staffing shortages, lack of training, general ignorance or clear negligence, it is clear that the safety of patients was compromised by Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust between 2014 and 2015 according to the Care Quality Commission.
We have learned that patient safety incidents were not always identified and reported at the hospital between 2014 and 2015. This inconsistent approach to reporting and learning from incidents only serves to increase the risk of repeat occurrences. It can also lead to more serious harm for future patients.
What is not clear is why there was such an inconsistent approach to incident reporting across the Trust.
In maternity services in particular, there was a low incidence of reporting and worrying a lack of staff on hand to assist ladies.
The Figures
Of greatest concern is that between May 2014 and April 2015 there were 123 serious incidents, including one ‘never event’. Never Events are serious, largely preventable patient safety incidents that should not occur if the available preventative measures have been implemented.
The most common incident type was grade 3 pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers occur when you lie in bed or sit in a wheelchair for hours. For example, if you are unable to get out of bed, you are at risk of developing pressure ulcers on your:
- shoulders or shoulder blades
- elbows
- back of your head
- rims of your ears
- knees, ankles, heels or toes
- spine
- tail bone (the small bone at the bottom of your spine)
If you are a wheelchair user, you are at risk of developing pressure ulcers on:
- your buttocks
- the back of your arms and legs
- the back of your hip bone
It is therefore important that you have the correct type of mattress or seat and are moved regularly to avoid pressure on one area of your body for too long.
There were 12 incidents each for slips trips and falls, ward closures and hospital transfer issues.
Maternity services reported nine incidents of intrauterine deaths (i.e. a baby dies after 20th week of pregnancy).
Between October 2014 and September 2015, Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust reported a total of 11,073 incidents.
Complaints
In June and July 2015 Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust received 51 formal complaints according to the Midlands Express & Star. This figure included a total increase of 29 formal complaints which was a significant overall increase compared to months previously.
The publilc were most concerned to complain about emergency and acute care and 7 complaints about general surgery.
Have you been affected by Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust
If you were a patient in 2014-2015 with Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust and suffered as a result of the care or lack thereof, then get in touch.
Dr Handley stated that “the report from the CQC is of great concern to patient safety. Whilst the hospital understand their obligations to patient safety it is clear that failings were increasing and patients were at risk”.
Get in touch about a potential claim by calling 0845 676 9228 or emailing Dr Handley at vhandley@handleylaw.co.uk