Mrs B attended her GP for contraceptive advice. She had been on the Pill but asked about trying a depot injection. Her GP discussed the options and issued a prescription for Depot-Provera and instructed Mrs P to return to the practice on the first day of her next period for the injection.
Three months later Mrs B attended the surgery for her second injection and on this occasion the GP discovered that at the previous visit Mrs B had been given Depo-Medrone (corticosteroid used commonly for treating inflammation) by mistake.
Mrs B also reported at that visit that she had not had a period for two months. A pregnancy test the following day proved positive.
A solicitor's letter in regard to a compensation claim on behalf of Mrs B and her husband was received at the surgery.
Analysis and outcome
A healthy child was born at full term. A modest compensation claim was negotiated by MDDUS on behalf of the GP.
Key points
- Ensure proper checks on all prescriptions but especially long-acting depot.
- Healthy babies do not attract damages - only compensation for unexpected expenses.
This page was correct at the time of publication. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.
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