Head of Clinical Negligence
Simpson Millar, a leading national law firm specialising in medical negligence, is calling for immediate action following revelations that thousands of children with hearing issues were misdiagnosed at NHS audiology units across England.
According to media reports, leaked documents have revealed that since 2019, 1,540 children were misdiagnosed, with 480 suffering moderate or severe harm, including permanent delays in speech and language development. Some children were given the all-clear despite having significant hearing problems.
An expert review of 140 audiology units identified concerns at over 90 of them, and despite NHS England being aware of these issues for more than a year, action was only taken last week when local units were told to review their services and recall patients if necessary.
This review is not expected to be completed until March next year, raising concerns about further delays.
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Concerns Raised by Law Firm Simpson MillarLaw firm Simpson Millar, which represents dozens of children and adults who have suffered harm because of issues relating to audiology services and care, raised concerns about potential delays in diagnosis and incorrect treatment.
They say that in many cases the clients the represent experience a range of symptoms that affect their everyday lives, including balance problems, dizziness and sickness, through to facial palsy and severe infections leading to permanent deafness.
Commenting on the findings of the investigation, Kate Sweeney, who leads Simpson Millar’s medical law team, said: “It is deeply concerning that so many children may have been affected by failings in NHS audiology services, and it is completely unacceptable that a review into the care they received may not be completed until next year.
“Many parents are understandably distressed about the impact on their child's development, particularly as these children have already faced significant challenges due to the pandemic, such as school closures and social distancing. Any further delay in receiving a correct diagnosis and starting treatment will only compound the issue.
“It is absolutely imperative that an urgent review and recall process takes place at all affected NHS audiology units, alongside immediate training for staff to prevent further errors. Additionally, robust support is needed to help these children catch up, and a full inquiry must be conducted to understand how these failings occurred and why they went unaddressed for so long."
In April 2023, The Times published figures showing that the NHS spent £160 million on paying bereaved people last year where, as a result of their failures, people had passed away for a range of different reasons.
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4.6 out of 5 based off 2833 reviewsKate has extensive experience both in leadership and in the field of Personal Injury. She has 10 years of experience in Clinical Negligence where she handled a wide range of client files as well as managing and growing the team. For the last 16 years, Kate has worked in the area of Personal Injury, leading the team alongside managing a small caseload.
Simpsonmillar.co.uk. (2019). Kate Sweeney | Head of Clinical Negligence | Simpson Millar Solicitors. [online] Available at: https://www.simpsonmillar.co.uk/our-people/kate-sweeney/
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