People do not expect to experience medical errors when they seek healthcare in the UK, but this can happen. It is important for patients to be aware of the financial and personal impacts of medical errors, particularly in the context of the surgery, as these can be common. This post will explore the hidden costs of medical errors and the steps patients can take to protect themselves.
The Scale of the Problem in the UK
Medical errors are more common than many people realise. Statistics show that there are an estimated 237 million medication errors annually, and the NHS wastes between £1 billion and £2.5 billion each year on preventable errors. These medication errors often have no negative impact, but it goes to show that mistakes can happen in the healthcare system.
Financial Implications for Patients & the NHS
There are significant financial burdens for both individual patients and the healthcare system. “Definitely avoidable” medication errors cost the NHS nearly £98.5 million each year, and these costs can indirectly impact patients through increased waiting times or reduced resources for other treatments. Individual patients can also incur various other costs, such as loss of earnings and legal fees.
Personal Costs: Beyond the Financial
It is also important to be aware of the personal costs beyond the financial costs incurred with medical errors. Medication errors contribute to 1,708 deaths annually in England, while there can also be potential long-term effects on quality of life and overall wellbeing. Medical errors can cause a great deal of pain and suffering, which means that affected patients must have support systems that will help them manage the personal costs.
Protecting Yourself: Patient Empowerment
Patients will want to do all that they can to protect themselves from medical errors, particularly when these can be life-threatening and hugely expensive. This is why it is smart for patients to always ask questions about medications and ensure that allergies are highlighted, seek a second opinion if you are unsure, and ensure clear communication with healthcare providers. A shared digital NHS prescribing record should be considered as this could prevent nearly 1 million drug errors each year.
If you are a victim of a medical error, you can start a medical negligence claim to seek compensation. It is important to seek advice from a solicitor who specialises in medical negligence claims as they will help you navigate the process and seek maximum compensation, which can cover the various costs involved as well as factor in pain and suffering.
People put their trust in healthcare providers, but mistakes can happen. These mistakes have the potential to be very serious and potentially life-changing, which is why it is important for people to be aware of the dangers and what steps they can take to protect themselves.
