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Welcome to Our Blog

Are you looking for high quality legal advice? You have come to the right place.

We regularly write about different legal topics and welcome your comments on our posts. If you would like more information on our services, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

What are the Symptoms of C-Section Stitches Internal Rupture?

Trevor Ward
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A Caesarean section , commonly known as a C-section, is a major surgical procedure used to deliver a baby through incisions made in the mother's abdomen and uterus. Following this surgery, the NHS say the incisions are closed using either traditional...

Understanding Vaginal Injuries Caused by Birth Injury Negligence

Katy Link
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The process of childbirth can be complex, during which both mother and child are vulnerable to various injuries. One of the significant concerns is vaginal injury caused by birth injury negligence. This article aims to shed light on what constitutes vaginal...

What are the long-term effects of a pelvic fracture?

Trevor Ward
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Pelvic fractures , which occur when one or more of the bones in the pelvis break. This can happen due to various reasons, including during childbirth . Specifically, in cases of birth injury negligence, where medical errors during delivery lead to pelvic...

Are there any psychological effects after forceps delivery? 

Sahida Patel
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Forceps deliveries, while sometimes necessary to address complications during childbirth, may have psychological effects on both mothers and babies . This article explores the psychological impact of forceps delivery on mothers, signs of psychological...

How do you know if your stitches have ripped after birth?

Sahida Patel
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Welcoming a new life into the world is a beautiful experience, but it can come with physical changes and recovery. For some women, stitches may be necessary after childbirth to address birth injuries. In this article, we'll explore the world of...

Understanding Vaginal Bruising After Birth: Causes and Effective Treatments

Leanne Devine
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Introduction  Welcoming a new life into the world is a joyous occasion, but for many women, the postnatal period can bring unexpected challenges. One such concern that some women may experience is vaginal bruising after birth. In this article, we will...

Do birth injuries affect the relationship between mother and baby?

Leanne Devine
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Introduction  Experiencing a birth injury can have profound effects on both the physical and psychological well-being of a mother. In this article, we look at how birth injuries impact the mother-baby relationship, the consequences on bonding times,...

Understanding A Bruised Cervix

Leanne Devine
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Introduction  A bruised cervix, though not often discussed openly, is a critical aspect of women's reproductive health that deserves attention and understanding. This article aims to shed light on the intricacies of a bruised cervix, exploring its...

Understanding Shoulder Dystocia: Causes, Prevention, and Impact on Babies

Parbeen Alamgir
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Introduction Shoulder dystocia is a medical complication that occurs during childbirth when a baby's head passes through the birth canal, but the shoulders get stuck behind the mother's pelvic bone. This condition poses potential risks for both...

Understanding Maternal Injuries During Childbirth

Parbeen Alamgir
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Introduction  Childbirth is a miraculous experience, marking the beginning of a new chapter in a mother's life. While the focus is often on the joy and excitement surrounding the arrival of a new-born, it is important to acknowledge the potential...

Investigating how often birth injuries to mothers are missed by health professionals

Parbeen Alamgir
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Introduction  Childbirth is the mark the of a new life. However, the joy of welcoming a newborn can sometimes be shadowed by injuries to the mother that could have been avoided. What is less well-known is the frequency at which these injuries go...

Understanding Strep B in Pregnancy: How Common Is It and How Do You Get It?

Parbeen Alamgir
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Introduction  Every expectant parent wants nothing more than a healthy and happy journey to childbirth. However, certain factors, such as the prevalence of Group B Streptococcus (Strep B) infection , can raise concerns. Understanding this bacterial...

Understanding the signs and symptoms of Strep B

Leanne Devine
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Introduction  Pregnancy is a time of anticipation and joy, but it can also bring concerns and health-related issues. One such concern is Group B Streptococcus, often referred to as Strep B. This bacterial infection, while usually harmless in adults,...

The consequences of untreated jaundice in babies: what happens if jaundice goes untreated?

Trevor Ward
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Jaundice is a common condition in newborn babies, affecting nearly 60% of infants in their first week of life . While many cases of jaundice are mild and resolve on their own, it is crucial to understand what happens if jaundice goes untreated. In this...

Finding the support for you and your family after suffering a birth injury

Trevor Ward
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Welcoming a new life into the world should be a time of joy and celebration. However, for some families, the birthing process can take an unexpected and difficult turn, resulting in injuries to newborns or mothers. Coping with the aftermath of a birth injury...

How to pursue a GP negligence claim

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General Practitioners (GPs) play a vital role when it comes to assessing and monitoring our health. As such, GPs also have a range of responsibilities with regards to correctly identifying, treating or referring any conditions they are presented with. ...

Can birth trauma cause epilepsy?

Trevor Ward
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Epilepsy is a chronic brain disease which is noncommunicable and is thought to affect over 50 million people around the world. According to Epilepsy Research Institute UK around 65% of people who are affected by the disease do not know the cause –...

Can birth trauma cause autism?

Trevor Ward
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Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects individuals worldwide . While the exact causes of autism remain unknown, researchers have been focusing on perinatal and neonatal factors as potential risk factors for the development of autism....

NHS GP Appointment Statistics 2023 Show Shocking Reality

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Researchers at Minton Morrill have scrutinised the NHS GP appointments statistics in 2023 so far to see how the picture looks for NHS staff and patient care alike, in time for National Self Care Week in November. The latest NHS GP Appointment statistics in...

Treatment for Cerebral Palsy

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For people living with cerebral palsy, the right treatment and support can make a huge difference to their wellbeing and quality of life. Understanding what options are available can help to ensure you know what treatment you or your child may benefit from. ...

Types of Cerebral Palsy Explained

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Cerebral palsy is the name for a group of conditions caused by brain damage while a baby or young child’s brain is still developing. These conditions affect movement, balance, and posture, and can have a very significant impact on a person’s...

Baby boy starved of oxygen during breech birth

Guy Pomphrey
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A tragic stillbirth at Frimley Park Hospital was recently reported in the News. Midwives failed to realise that baby Theo was in the breech position until his mother was already in advanced labour at the Hospital. In the weeks and days leading up to his...

Update: Investigation into Shropshire Baby Deaths - New Training for Maternity Staff

Guy Pomphrey
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On 11 December 2020 we wrote about the publication of an interim report concerning the independent review into maternity services at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust . Patient Safety Minister, Nadine Dorries, has now announced a new...

Great Ormond Street Hospital errors led to a 5 year old boy's death

Guy Pomphrey
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Great Ormond Street Hospital (“GOSH”) have admitted mistakes causing the death of a 5 year old.  The boy had a liver transplant in 2012 shortly after his birth because of cancer. He was under the care of GOSH (as an outpatient) and the...

Royal Free Hospital issued with warning following mother's death

Guy Pomphrey
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The Care Quality Commission (“CQC”) has issued a ‘warning notice’ the Royal Free Hospital in London because their inspectors identified serious safety failings with the NHS Trust’s maternity unit. An unannounced CQC inspection...

Breaking News Update: Investigation Into Shropshire Baby Deaths And Injuries - Interim Report Published

Guy Pomphrey
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The first report of the independent review into maternity services at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust was published on 10 December 2020.  The report has rightly called for change across NHS Hospitals to prevent avoidable deaths and...

Maternity concerns following tragic stillbirth of baby boy

Guy Pomphrey
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The death of a baby boy at the Royal Lancaster Hospital, part of the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay Foundation Trust, has triggered new concerns into maternity care at the Trust. The NHS Trust faced an independent investigation into its maternity and...

Family of cancer patient awarded over £100,000 in compensation

Guy Pomphrey
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BBC news recently reported on a six-figure medical negligence settlement following substandard maxillofacial surgery at Leicester Royal Infirmary . Similar operations at the Hospital were suspended for 2 years (between 2016 and 2018) after safety concerns...

Maternity unit at Basildon University Hospital rated inadequate by CQC

Guy Pomphrey
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The Care Quality Commission (‘CQC’) performed an unannounced inspection of maternity services at Basildon University Hospital in June 2020 after safety concerns were raised by a whistle-blower.  CQC Inspectors found a cluster of six...

£37 million birth injury compensation claim

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Why pursue a Birth Injury Compensation Claim? If your child has been seriously injured during their birth they may have a lifetime of expensive care and support needs ahead of them. Our leading team of clinical negligence lawyers regularly secure multi...

Update: Investigation into Shropshire baby deaths and injuries - investigation now totalling 1,862

Guy Pomphrey
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Since I first wrote about Donna Ockenden’s review into maternity care at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals NHS Trust on 24 July 2020 the total number of cases under investigation is now up to 1862. The independent review into maternity care at the...

Review finds worries dismissed as "women's problems"

Guy Pomphrey
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Have your concerns about medical treatment been dismissed by your doctor? In 2018 the then Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, announced a Safety Review into how the NHS responds to concerns from patients about harmful side effects from medicines and medical...

What are the risks and benefits to giving birth naturally?

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As an expectant mother, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the avalanche of information you will receive about ‘the best’ way to give birth. From websites, to books, to the advice of your friends and family, everyone will have their own opinion...

Police investigation launched into Shropshire baby deaths and injuries

Guy Pomphrey
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West Mercia Police have launched an investigation into whether there is evidence to support a criminal case against Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust following allegations of poor maternity care. The Trust is already subject to an independent inquiry, led by...

What are the early signs and symptoms of Cerebral Palsy in a baby?

Guy Pomphrey
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Cerebral Palsy can be difficult to spot, particularly in a very young or new-born baby. In many cases, the condition is not diagnosed until the child is a few years old because symptoms only start to appear as the child develops or misses developmental...

Recommendations made by Paterson inquiry

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An inquiry into the actions of private plastic surgeon Ian Peterson has made a number of recommendations to alleviate the gaps in patients seeking redress from private healthcare providers. Ian Paterson was convicted in 2017 of 17 counts of wounding with...

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Mr M Walsh, suspended over concerns regarding patient treatment

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There has been recent media coverage, including on the BBC news, regarding Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic surgeon, Mr Michael Walsh, who was suspended from practising at Spire Healthcare (Leeds) in 2018 over concerns about the standard and appropriateness...

Negligence claim costs increasing - again

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Following a Freedom of Information Act request made by the BBC, it has recently been confirmed that the current bill for outstanding clinical negligence claims is going to be in the region of £4.3 billion. This figure includes “all current...

Inquest into the death of Elsie Frost now concluded

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Before HM Senior Coroner for West Yorkshire (Eastern Division) Mr Kevin McLoughlin Wakefield Coroner’s Court Concluded Tuesday 19 November 2019 The fresh Inquest into the death of 14 year old Wakefield schoolgirl Elsie Frost who was murdered...

Inquest Into Death of Elsie Frost To Commence 18 November

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Before HM Senior Coroner for West Yorkshire (Eastern Division) Mr Kevin McLoughlin Wakefield Coroner’s Court Opening Monday 18 November 2019 – Expected to last two days The Inquest into the death of 14-year-old schoolgirl Elsie Frost...

Inquest into the death of Leah Cambridge to commence on 15th July

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Before HM Senior Coroner for West Yorkshire (Eastern Division) Mr Kevin McLoughlin Wakefield Coroner’s Court Opening Monday 15 July 2019 – Expected to last three days The Inquest into the death of 29 year old mother of three Leah...

Cerebral Palsy following delay in delivery (identity protected)

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Sahida Patel, specialist clinical negligence lawyer, resolved a high-profile birth injury claim for baby “M” for compensation worth over £25million. The Facts Baby “M” was born in 2005.  She sadly suffers with cerebral...

Inquest into death of James Quinn now concluded

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Before HM Senior Coroner Terence Carney  Gateshead & South Tyneside Coroners Court An inquest into the death of 61 year old James Quinn (Jimmy) has now concluded following three days of evidence heard before HM Senior Coroner Mr Carney. On...

Thousands of women put at risk by cervical cancer screening errors

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More than 40,000 women in England may have missed vital information about cervical cancer screenings after important letters were not sent out due to a series of errors. The letters should have been sent out to women inviting them to a cervical cancer...

Shropshire NHS baby deaths - 215 cases now under review

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The maternity care provided to more than 200 families is being investigated as part of a widening review into a series of infant deaths and birth injuries at a Shropshire NHS Trust. 215 families have questioned the maternity care they received from...

Cancer Waiting Times at 'Worst level ever'

Guy Pomphrey
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BBC Health reports that NHS cancer treatment times are at their worst ever level .  Cancer Referral Report NHS patients should be seen by cancer doctors no more than 62 days after their GP first refers them but the report says this two month waiting...

Inquest Annual Northern Conference

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INQUEST warmly invites you to a half-day conference held in the North where we will look at issues concerning Inquest funding, practice and procedure. Gemma Vine, associate solicitor and head of Minton Morrill's Inquest team , will be speaking...

Thomas Cook remove guests from Egypt hotel after death of Lancashire Couple

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Thomas Cook have been offering their customers alternative hotels within the resort of Hurghada from today, as well as giving them the option to return home after the death of John and Susan Cooper. At the moment their deaths are still being...

A step in the right direction? Supreme court rules on end of life decisions

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The Supreme Court has ruled that in circumstances where families and doctors are in agreement, an application to the Court of Protection will not have to be made to end a persons life who is in a long term permanent vegetative state. In the Supreme...

Court of Appeal Rules On Pay For Sleep-In Carers

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The Court of Appeal handed down a judgment finding it is only time spent awake and working during a sleep-in that counts as working time for National Minimum Wage purposes. Care workers who sleep overnight at a client’s home are not entitled to the...