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Unless a formal complaint is made and changes are implemented in the way children are dealt with, there will always be a chance that this may happen to someone else.
Bolton, UK (PRWEB UK) 23 September 2013
An inquest has been held into the circumstances around the death of Lucy Linforth, who went into cardiac arrest and passed away in a matter of minutes after being carried into a consultation room by her father to see a minor illnesses nurse (1).
Despite presenting worrying symptoms, including being lethargic and having extreme difficulty breathing, it is alleged that Lucie’s father was encouraged to wait to see the nurse instead of the GP working at the practice at the time (1).
Suzanne Yates, Executive at Asons Solicitors, who specialise in cases of medical negligence claims said:
“This is a terrible incident that has resulted in the unfortunate death of a small child. There will always be the possibility that if Mr Linforth’s concerns had been taken seriously, then his daughter may still be alive.
"I do believe that there is evidence here to suggest that a certain amount of GP negligence has been exercised in this instance, as a child as young as this should have been made a priority. Making Lucie wait in the queue, resulting in her delayed treatment allowed her condition to worsen and become instable.”
A post mortem revealed that the primary cause of Lucie’s death was bronchiolitis and pneumonitis with respiratory syncytial virus.
In the circumstances around her death, the inquest heard how even after Mr Linforth alerted reception that his daughter was becoming dehydrated, he wasn’t given priority and told to continue to wait in the queue to be seen (1). Shortly after this, it is alleged that Lucie passed away, despite efforts from the nurse performing CPR and calling on additional help from the doctor. As recorded in The Telegraph, she was then transported to Bedford Hospital and pronounced dead on the scene (1).
Amidst concerns raised by Pathologist Dr Roger Malcolmson, he told the inquest of how he felt that if she had been seen by someone that was more qualified to make a better judgement, they could have appreciated that Lucy was sick and should have been to be admitted to hospital (1).
Continuing to comment, Suzanne Yates said:
“When it comes to children, I strongly feel that their health should never be left to chance and that they should always be made a priority, especially where such detrimental symptoms are being presented. Anyone that may have suffered similar circumstances to those of the Linforth family would be advised to contact a solicitor, as they may be entitled to make a claim for delayed treatment compensation.
"No amount of damages paid to a family will ever replace the loss of a child, but the most important factor here is to ensure that the GP surgery learn from their mistakes and ensure that this never happens again. Unless a formal complaint is made and changes are implemented in the way children are dealt with, there will always be a chance that this may happen to someone else.”
Receiving substandard care due to negligent treatment is a form of GP negligence that has the potential to be devastating to patients and their families. Anyone that has suffered from any form of medical negligence is urged to contact a specialist solicitors such as Asons to determine whether or not there is potential to file for a medical negligence claim. To find out more information visit http://www.asons.co.uk or phone 01204 521 133 to speak a member of their team.
(1) The Telegraph, Toddler died in consultation room after hour long wait to see nurse, 18/09/2013
telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/10318177/Toddler-died-in-consultation-room-after-hour-long-wait-to-see-nurse.html
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About Asons Solicitors:
Asons Solicitors is a Bolton-based law practice that specialises in personal injury and industrial disease claims. Founded by brothers Imran Akram and Kamran Akram, Asons Solicitors has developed to become a young and dynamic law firm that delivers practical solutions to clients in times of difficulty. Their continued focus on their staff has seen them awarded with the Investors in People “Gold Award”; which is reflected in the professional and personable approach they take in working with clients. They strive to grow and to develop, and their supportiveness and attention to detail ensures that their clients use them time and again.
For further information contact:
Email: info(at)asons(dot)co.uk
Website: http://www.asons.co.uk