A Holistic Approach to Rehabilitation

At Ashtons Legal, we understand the profound impact medical negligence can have on individuals and their families. Our Client Rehabilitation Service is dedicated to supporting clients who have endured serious illness or injury, ensuring timely access to rehabilitation and treatment to optimise their recovery and overall wellbeing.

Penny Tilmouth, an experienced solicitor within the Clinical Negligence team at Ashtons, has been instructed by Client A in connection with a claim concerning the admitted negligent delivery of chemotherapy treatment. Referring Client A to our Client Rehabilitation Service, Penny ensured the effective coordination of his post-injury treatment and rehabilitation.

This case study looks at the influence of the Client Rehabilitation Service on the experience of Client A, a gentleman in his 70s. Following a diagnosis of high-grade stage 4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Client A faced additional challenges as a result of incorrectly administered chemotherapy treatment, resulting in a serious extravasation injury to his right arm and subsequent complications. These complications included reduced range of movement, persistent pain, and nerve damage, impacting upon his balance and mobility and necessitating the use of walking aids.

The bathroom in the client’s home, equipped with an over-bath shower, raised safety concerns as the client encountered difficulties in using it safely, requiring the support of his wife. In response, our Rehabilitation Coordinator, Amy Rose, conducted a home visit, highlighting the urgent need for an accessible bathing solution.

Recognising the importance of a holistic approach, Amy who is a registered Occupational Therapist, assessed both the client’s needs and the wellbeing of his wife, the primary caregiver. While a level access shower was deemed optimal for the client’s long-term requirements, the wife’s desire to retain the bath for relaxation was acknowledged. Striking a delicate balance, the Rehab Coordinator recommended a bathing cushion, which would enable the client to safely access the bath without hindering the wife’s use of the facility. With the support of our Rehabilitation Coordinator, a referral was made to the local authority Occupational Therapy team who assessed and organised provision of the recommended bathing cushion.

Client A’s case underscores the vital need for comprehensive support systems for caregivers. The Care Act 2014, designed to reform the social care system, mandates local authorities to assess the needs of both the person requiring care and the caregiver. Carers possess a legal right to have their needs assessed, and local authorities must conscientiously consider these needs when determining appropriate support.

Recognising the invaluable role played by caregivers in the recovery journey, especially spouses like Client A’s wife, cannot be emphasised enough. Or Rehabilitation Coordinator ensured that the recommended solution not only addressed the client’s needs but also safeguarded the well-being of his wife. The introduction of the bathing cushion improved the client’s independence but also significantly eased the caregiving burden on his wife, enabling her to assist without enduring undue physical strain.

Contact our medical negligence solicitors today

If you believe we can assist you when pursuing a Medical Negligence claim, please get in contact with us on 0330 191 4835 or fill out our online enquiry form.

Our experienced team of lawyers will be able to offer advice and guide you through every step of the claims process and our in-house rehabilitation coordinators can help to support you through your recovery.