RJW is currently investigating cases of negligence after a report by Robert Francis QC revealed a catalogue of failures at Mid Staffordshire hospitals. An obsession with hitting targets led to the neglect and unnecessary death of patients. In response, the Prime Minister said that managers would be held to account for failures by the Mid Staffordshire NHS Trust.
Francis warned that hospitals should understand that their excellence was not guaranteed by their star rating: what matters is the way patients are treated.
"The story of Stafford shows graphically, and sadly, that benchmarks, comparative ratings and foundation trust status do not in themselves bring to light serious and systematic failings," he said.
Relatives of patients at Mid Staffordshire were unhappy that the report failed to support calls by organisations such as AvMA (Action against Medical Accidents) for a public enquiry.
Paul Sankey, specialist clinical negligence solicitor and partner at Russell Jones & Walker (RJW) said: "What is needed is a patient-centred culture in which pursuing targets does not detract from care. Sadly patients are too often been the victims of errors which should have been avoided."
Russell Jones & Walker have a specialist team pursuing claims for people who have suffered serious harm as a result of avoidable medical accidents. They have recently recovered a 7-figure award for a brain injury claim on behalf of a man who suffered the injury after doctors failed to carry out a planned investigation and to prevent a stroke. They have also won compensation for the husband of a woman who died of skin cancer and another who died of lung cancer. Other cases concern people whose fractures were not diagnosed where the wrong tests were done or x-rays misinterpreted. They are currently involved in claims against the Mid Staffordshire NHS Trust.
RJW has a specialist medical negligence claims department with experts accredited by the Law Society and AvMA who handle claims for damages arising from clinical negligence. With its network of offices across the country RJW can assist with claims nationwide.
About Russell Jones & Walker
Russell Jones & Walker is a leading national firm of solicitors dedicated to upholding the legal rights of individuals. From the firms foundation in the 1920s the focus has and continues to be, people and those who represent them.
The firm has grown from its trade union roots into a respected national organisation with nine offices across England and Wales, and an associated office in Scotland. The reputation of Russell Jones & Walker is built on the range of expertise offered by its partners and staff and on the scope of their practical experience.
RJW Solicitors represents clients across a range of areas from personal injury claims work to commercial and criminal litigation, defamation, reputation management, clinical negligence, including cancer claims, as well as providing specialties as employment lawyers and fraud lawyers.
Paul Sankey, Russell Jones & Walker, 50-52 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1HL, 0207 657 1425, www.rjw.co.uk
