Need for better communication when medical errors occur

Posted 31/10/2011

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-15400439

The media report above concerned a man who has received compensation because an operation was carried out on the wrong side of his heart. He did not find out until 10 weeks after the event that a mistake had been made.Ben Ward, a clinical negligence solicitor at Ashtons Legal, comments: “It is concerning that policies and procedures for something as vital and complex as heart surgery were not already in place at the Bristol Royal Infirmary prior to this cardiac ablation procedure. What is of equal frustration and concern here is NHS accountability. Time and time again, one witnesses scenarios where doctors do not fully inform patients immediately following errors and mistakes. To inform a patient of an error 10 weeks later is unacceptable. This lack of responsibility and openness within the NHS requires addressing if the NHS wishes to increase patient service and satisfaction.”