High index of suspicion in skin lesions
MDDUS has seen a recent spate of potentially costly negligence claims involving missed or delayed diagnosis of malignant skin lesions including melanoma.
Steroids and a bad hip - medical case study
...the GP received a solicitor’s letter claiming negligence in the long-term prescription of steroids which Mr P alleged led to the avascular necrosis in his hip...
Reporting road traffic offences
DOCTORS must not hesitate to inform the GMC if they are charged with or convicted of a traffic offence.
Poor records, poor defence - dental case study
...the dentist did not feel the loss of the cusp was his fault. The patient did not accept this response and raised a complaint with the Ombudsman’s office...
Do not delay in suspected child abuse
Recent high-profile abuse cases including that of Baby P have highlighted the importance for healthcare professionals of taking urgent action in suspected maltreatment of children.
Dental neglect – but whose? - dental case study
...Mr M remembered D well as he attended over 70 times in the period that he was a patient at the surgery. His notes constituted a long list of caries and fillings with occasional antibiotics...
Altering medical notes
Doctors must take care when amending medical notes to avoid potential charges of evidence tampering.
Negligence in co-proxamol prescribing - medical case study
...her co-proxamol was discontinued but this was not removed from the repeat prescription list. Later when Mrs G requested a repeat prescription of 100 tablets these were retained by her...
New urgency for flu contingency plans
General medical and dental practices should move urgently to put in place contingency plans for pandemic flu if not already developed.
Adverse drug interaction - medical case study
...The doctor prescribed methotrexate - but in renal impairment the drug can build up to toxic levels...