Medical Misdiagnosis Claims

In Plymouth, the situation in accident and emergency (A&E) departments, especially at Derriford Hospital, has reached a critical level. Recent data has revealed that Plymouth has the dubious distinction of having the longest A&E waiting times in the country. Alarmingly, nearly two-thirds (65.5%) of patients visiting Type 1 A&Es in the region are forced to endure waits of over four hours. Such prolonged delays can have severe repercussions on the health outcomes and overall well-being of patients.

A recent BBC article, published late last week, sheds light on the situation, revealing that cancer treatment waiting times in England have reached their highest levels ever recorded. The statistics are alarming, with nearly 100,000 patients waiting more than the two-month target for starting treatment. This represents a significant escalation from historical data, driven by a complex interplay of factors that demand a closer examination. It’s also obviously a real worry for patients and their survival rates.

Dr. Henrietta Hughes, the Patient Safety Commissioner, has today released an important report that looks into the serious effects of sodium valproate on patients and their families. This report, known as the Hughes Report, not only highlights the failures in healthcare and regulation related to valproate use but also suggests a detailed plan for sodium valproate compensation and supporting those who have been harmed.

Sodium Valproate Syndrome is a serious issue that seriously affects children and their families, when the mother has taken sodium valproate drugs during pregnancy. We're committed to helping everyone understand more about it, showing how it impact the child and their family, and helping to guide those affected through their legal options.

Whilst there has been a lot of publicity recently about the use of Sodium Valproate in epilepsy sufferers, and the effects that this medication can have on an unborn baby, is it less well known that this medication can also be prescribed to patients suffering from Bipolar Disorder and migraines.

Thousands of women with epilepsy have given birth to babies with disabilities. Despite guidelines to the contrary, many women of childbearing age have been prescribed Sodium Valproate, (otherwise known as Epilim) resulting in babies born with autism, congenital anomalies and neurodevelopmental difficulties which can lead to cognitive and social impairments. The umbrella term for this is Fetal Valproate Syndrome (FVS) and can be used to describe a number of different impairments.

This is a statutory duty that applies to all health and care professionals to be open and honest with patients and people in their care when something goes wrong with their treatment. What does this mean and is it being applied?