Blog
From Certificates to Belief Statements: The CPS and the Limits of Forum Bar Intervention
Rebecca Niblock
22 December 2014
Quick Guide: Delayed Diagnosis of Giant Cell Arteritis
This little known but not so rare condition can have a devastating impact on patient’s lives if warning signs are missed. Undiagnosed or untreated, Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) can cause serious problems including permanent vision loss.
12 December 2014
The Medical Innovation Bill - will it ever be a good idea?
The report stage of the Medical Innovation Bill begins today, on Friday 12 December. Lord Saatchi has submitted further amendments to the Bill, which is now substantially altered. Unfortunately this billl was pretty much a sow’s ear at the outset, and no amount of alteration will make it into a silk purse.
3 December 2014
Home birth v hospital birth – which is safer? The debate continues.
Revised clinical guidance has been issued today from NICE on intrapartum care.
I may seem cynical when I say that I am sceptical about the reasoning and motivation behind this Guidance which purports to rely on research findings to support the view that giving birth in a free standing midwifery or home birth setting is better and at least as safe as it is in a hospital for low risk first time mothers.
27 November 2014
What does an institutional Duty of Candour mean for patients?
Individual doctors have long had responsibility to let patients know when something has gone wrong. This is embodied in General Medical Council Guidance (Good Medical Practice para 55) and is a personal duty.
18 November 2014
A Duty of Candour – Will it encourage more compensation claims?
Amongst healthcare professionals, and those who represent them, there is some concern that the Duty of Candour regulations will lead to an increase in civil compensation claims.
Speaking as a claimant clinical negligence solicitor I think that they need not be concerned. On the contrary, I believe that the regulations will lead to a reduction in claims.