A fresh investigation has been launched into care at Leeds children’s heart surgery unit after claims that mothers have been put under undue pressure to abort babies with ‘untreatable’ heart defects rather than refer them to a rival centre.
The article in the Sunday Times goes on to say that healthcare investigators are also looking into claims that doctors treating children at the unit based at Leeds General Infirmary are ‘leaving them to die’ by placing them in palliative care.
In some cases this may be because they have been wrongly diagnosed. In others, it is suggested it is because doctors are reluctant to carry out risky operations or refer children to other hospitals.
The claims are being considered by the Care Quality Commission, but it has yet to decide whether to conduct a formal enquiry.
The article goes on to say that a spokesperson for Leeds pointed out that the CQC had already looked into claims in 2011 but had found no evidence of poor care.
The unit is now obviously at the forefront of the news having been recently closed due to concerns raised over death rate data and other issues.
If you have suffered as a result of medical negligence, we can help you.
Health professionals are generally considered experts in their fields, committed to providing the best level of care and support for patients. All medical professionals, whether employed in the public or private sector, have a legal duty of care and responsibility for patients being treated.
If you need assistance in making a claim for the way you have been treated, Abacus Solicitors are experienced lawyers in this field.
We have a dedicated team of professionals that have the expertise and experience necessary in handling such situations with compassion, sensitivity and understanding.
With our support, empathy and guidance, we will help you make your claim, to get you the results you so rightly deserve.
If you need help and would like to speak to one of our team call us on 0161 833 0044 or email Marie Nielson at m.neilson@abacus-law.co.uk