Maternity Care Under Review and Claiming Compensation for Negligence
Substandard maternity care can ruin lives. If you or a loved one are struggling with the impact of negligent care, talk to a specialist solicitor about the possibility of compensation.
Is maternity care in crisis?
Over the last decade, voices have increasingly been raised in criticism of maternity services across England. The quality of care of both mother and baby has been questioned in numerous reviews of individual health trusts, revealing findings of inconsistency of care, substandard care, failing to meet guidelines, failing to listen to women and failing to implement recommendations.
Injuries and deaths which have been described as 'avoidable' have been investigated.
Now the government has decided to carry out a rapid inquiry into maternity services across the country with an initial focus on those trusts which have recently come under scrutiny such as Shrewsbury & Telford, East Kent and Nottingham.
Birth trauma
Perineal birth trauma is an aspect of vaginal childbirth which may occasionally occur due to the pressure of childbirth and which can cause significant physical and psychological damage. However, it is an injury which it is possible to diagnose and repair and which should be diagnosed and repaired every time.
The guidelines of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists state that every woman who gives birth through the vagina should undergo a thorough examination following the birth of their baby which should include a digital rectal examination. If competently carried out, this should identify whether or not the woman has received an anal injury and, if so, a correct diagnosis should trigger a surgical repair.
Negligent maternity care and anal birth injuries
Unfortunately, the number of compensation claims we see relating to sever 3rd and 4th degree tears speaks volumes and clearly demonstrates that for some women, the quality of their care is insufficient to ensure future bowel continence and emotional well-being.
If maternity professionals fail in their duty to carry out an examination or fail to diagnose a 3rd or 4th degree tear, they may be regarded as having provided only substandard care.
If the new mother suffers on-going symptoms such as incontinence or leakage of wind and faeces, it may be appropriate to claim compensation for any loss of income or additional costs caused by the negligence.
Speak to a legal specialist
Here at Glynns we speak to the victims of negligent maternity care on a daily basis and have supported numerous women in pursuing justice for the impact of their negligent care.
Glynns is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with a team of solicitors experienced in severe birth tear claims.
Contact us today to talk to a solicitor, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim if you are struggling with the debilitating and distressing symptoms of an unrepaired birth tear.
We can offer No Win No Fee medical negligence funding which we will discuss with you during your free initial telephone discussion.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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