Lack of skilled staff in obstetrics and gynaecology may result in birth injury

A total of 914,150 patient safety incidents were reported to the National Patient Safety Agency's (NPSA) Reporting and Learning Service between April 2008 and March 2009. Of these, 98,891 were obstetric or gynaecology related incidents which could have resulted in a birth injury or medical negligence claim.

On analysis, 6.6% (6,484) of the incidents were reported as being a result of either a lack of suitably trained or skilled staff.

The statistics do not give a further breakdown of the type of incidents or injuries involved but common obstetric and gynaecology complaints would be cerebral palsy as a result of birth asphyxia; Erb's palsy; kernicterus bilirubinaemia; negligent infant death; excessive syntocinon during labour; insulin therapy leading to brain damage; urinary tract Injury during hysterectomy; accidental suturing of ureter; ureter damage as a result of a negligent hysterectomy and mismanagement of a perineal tear.

Specialist solicitors to help with a clinical negligence claim,
The clinical negligence department at JMW Solicitors LLP specialises in the types of medical negligence, sometimes referred to as medical malpractice, including birth injury highlighted above. If you would like to speak to one of our specialist solicitors about making a compensation claim for medical negligence feel free to contact us on 0800 801 032