NHS officials recently ruled a man who died after attending remote consultations for his ear infection, should have been advised to attend a face-to-face appointment.
The patient had four remote consultations with General Practitioners over three weeks during COVID-19 restrictions but was not offered an in-person appointment. The patient’s ear infection led to a fatal abscess on the brainstem.
A photograph was sent by the patient to the GP practice but was never examined by a professional. Instead, a blood test was suggested, and the patient spoke to another GP Practice and a further two advanced nurse practitioners. After five calls to the NHS, the patient was taken to hospital in an ambulance and sadly passed away two days later.
The COVID-19 pandemic related rise in remote consulting raises questions about the nature type of risks in remote general practice.
For remote consultations to work safely, risks must be actively mitigated by measures that include digital inclusion strategies, enhanced safety-netting and training and support for staff.
Proving Medical Negligence
To successfully make a medical negligence claim, you must show that a medical professional did not carry out their duties properly and the standard of care fell below what is expected of a reasonable, competent, and skilful medical practitioner. This is known as breach of duty or liability.
Separately, it must be proven that the breach of duty caused or materially contributed to your injuries and loss. Or that because of the breach of duty, you had a worse outcome.
If you have suffered physical or psychological injury because of a falling or moving object at the workplace your employer may be at fault, please contact us to discuss the matter on 0800 988 8082 or our online enquiry form.
