All patients place trust in their General Practitioner ("GP") to look after their physical and mental health, but on occasion, mistakes can be made which can lead to injury, damage or disease.
As the first point of contact with the health system for most patients, it is the role of GPs to spot signs and symptoms of disease and injury and make appropriate decisions on how the patient should be further assessed and treated. When GP negligence occurs, the impact can be considerable for the patient and their family.
Injury due to GP negligence can cause considerable emotional distress for the patient affected and their loved ones, and in some cases cause additional financial pressure, especially if the person affected is the primary income earner.
What Constitutes Medical Negligence by a GP?
Medical professionals, including GPs, have a Duty of Care to protect your health. A GP may be deemed negligent if they fail to:
Diagnose a physical or mental health condition (or do so in a timely manner)
Refer you to a specialist when appropriate
Correctly review and/or interpret your test results
Request a diagnostic test e.g. a blood test or x-ray
Inform you of any issues discovered during a test
Send you to A&E
Take adequate steps to prevent you contracting an infection
Prescribe the wrong medication, or the wrong dosage – a GP must also verify that multiple medications can be safely taken together.
Carry out a minor procedure without due care
Furthermore, your GP should explain to you the associated risks or side-effects of not taking immediate action, undergoing a medical procedure, treatment, or test, and of any medication prescribed. Failure to explain the clinical risk of a treatment or procedure consented to, which then leads to injury or damage, may also constitute medical negligence.
How can I bring a claim for GP Medical Negligence?
You may be able to bring a claim for GP Medical Negligence which has caused you harm depending on the circumstances. To prove medical negligence, it must be shown:
The standard of care you received fell below that of a competent GP, and
This negligence caused you injury.
If you have reason to believe you have suffered damage or injury as a result of a mistake made by a GP, we may be able to assist you.
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