Handley Law - Medical Mistake and Device Claims

01/10/2023

Sepsis is a significant cause of mortality, with an estimated 37,000 deaths annually in the UK.

Urinary catheters increase the risk of severe sepsis. They should only be used if clinically indicated. If inserted, a care bundle approach should be used, and the anticipated removal date should be recorded unless a long-term catheter is required. On presentation, the presence of a urinary catheter should prompt immediate implementation of 'Sepsis Six' and consideration of transfer to a critical care unit.

CRBSI triggers a systemic inflammatory response, ranging from fever and leucocytosis through to septic shock and multiple organ failure. The reported mortality rate varies from 3 to 25%.

29/09/2023

One in three medical students plan to quit the NHS within two years of graduating, either to practise abroad or abandon medicine altogether, according to the largest survey of its kind.

28/09/2023

Speak to your doctor, pharmacist or call NHS 111 if you are worried about your health. If you’re deaf and want to use the phone service, you can use the NHS 111 British Sign Language service.

27/09/2023

If you've been sexually assaulted it's important to remember that it was not your fault. Sexual violence is a crime, no matter who commits it or where it happens. Don't be afraid to get help.

• a doctor or practice nurse at your GP surgery
• a voluntary organisation, such as R**e Crisis, Women's Aid, Victim Support, The Survivors Trust or Male Survivors Partnership
• the 24-hour freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge, on 0808 2000 247
• the r**e and sexual abuse support line run by R**e Crisis England and Wales – you can call the helpline on 0808 500 2222 or use the online chat (both are free and are open 24 hours a day, every day of the year)
• a hospital accident and emergency (A&E) department
• a genitourinary medicine (GUM) or sexual health clinic
• a contraceptive clinic
• a young people's service
• call NHS 111 or get help from 111 online
• the police, or dial 101
• in an emergency, dial 999

26/09/2023

Chronic understaffing, increasing workload and bureaucracy have made the NHS a ‘leaky bucket’. Additional issues such as years of demoralising pay, sexual assault by staff and patients, punitive pension taxation rules and long hours have made it even harder to retain the doctors we have.

26/09/2023

In Loving Memory: Professor of Urogynaecology and Consultant Gynaecologist Linda Cardozo

It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that we learn of the passing of an extraordinary individual, a pioneer in the field of urogynaecology and a compassionate healer, Professor Linda Cardozo. Her departure leaves a void that cannot be easily filled in the medical community.

Her tenure was instrumental in shaping the landscape of urogynaecology, and her contributions have undeniably transformed the lives of countless women. Her dedication to the field was remarkable. She epitomised excellence and commitment to exceptional patient care as a consultant gynaecologist. Her unwavering empathy and respect for her patients' struggles earned her their trust and affection. Her gentle yet firm approach made even the most delicate situations bearable, bringing comfort and solace to numerous women and their families.

Beyond her extensive clinical work, Professor Cardozo made significant contributions to academia. Her prowess in teaching was unparalleled, as she passionately imparted her wealth of knowledge to medical students, residents, and fellows. Her mentoring and guidance became legendary, shaping the careers of countless aspiring gynaecologists. Her teachings will forever resonate within the halls of the academic institutions she graced. She wrote over 750 papers in peer review journals, 25 books and 130 book chapters.

Hers was a life well-lived, and her impact will be felt for generations to come. Rest in peace. You have made an indelible mark on medicine, and your memory will forever inspire us all.

Professor Linda Cardozo, 73, was described as a ‘true pioneer’ and ‘highly respected’ by patients and colleagues

25/09/2023

I am delighted to have been asked to contribute to the Sky News investigation into Endometrial Ablation.

About one in four women suffer from heavy periods and more than 30,000 women in England had an endometrial ablation on the NHS between 2017 and 2022

Endometrial ablation burns away the womb lining with the aim of reducing periods for people who suffer from heavy bleeding. But when it doesn't work, women describe terrible pain, years of their lives ruined - and doctors who seem to have little idea what's wrong.

25/09/2023

It is gravely concerning to witness the chronic mismanagement of Hospital Trusts, which has resulted in unprecedented harm inflicted upon both patients and employees. The negligence displayed within these institutions has allowed for a plethora of grievances to occur, including instances of sexual assault, r**e, and even murder. Such heinous acts not only undermine the fundamental principles upon which healthcare is built, but they also inflict severe physical, psychological, and emotional trauma on those directly affected.

The alarming pattern of mismanagement within Hospital Trusts highlights a deep-rooted systemic failure that must be urgently addressed. It is an affront to the values of compassion, trust, and dignity that the medical field holds dear. Patients should never have to fear for their safety or well-being while seeking medical care, and hospital employees should not be subjected to such dangerous working environments.

Immediate and comprehensive action is necessary to rectify this alarming situation. Hospital Trusts must be held accountable for their actions, and robust measures should be implemented to safeguard the welfare of both patients and employees. This includes stringent hiring practices, enhanced training programs, and thorough investigations into any reported cases of misconduct or criminal behaviour.

We must demand a profound change in the management and governance of Hospital Trusts, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary resources, oversight, and accountability structures. Only then can we aspire to restore faith in our healthcare system, create a safe environment for all, and protect the basic human rights of those entrusted to its care.

24/09/2023

Abnormal bleeding should never be ignored.

There are many causes of abnormal va**nal bleeding. Fortunately, not all of the reasons for abnormal bleeding are indicative of a serious medical condition.

Some of the most common causes of abnormal va**nal bleeding include:

Use of an IUD (intrauterine device)
Infection of the organs in the pelvic region, such as the cervix, the va**na, the ovaries, the uterus, or the fallopian tubes
Use of certain medications, including oral contraceptives
Polycystic o***y syndrome (PCOS)
Ovulation

Always consult your Doctor and have all these possibilities considered.

23/09/2023

Some of the most commonly experienced Asherman’s Syndrome symptoms are amenorrhea, which is the complete absence of menstruation or having a lighter-than-normal period. Some women may also suffer from pelvic pain during the normal time of arrival for a monthly cycle despite the lack of a period.

The reason for this is that monthly me**es are occurring, but adhesions in the cervix are preventing the blood from leaving the uterus.

22/09/2023

Are you experiencing infertility?

Unfortunately, Asherman’s Syndrome often causes women to have multiple miscarriages or become infertile due to the presence of adhesions. The leading cause of the adhesions is either a D&C or endometrial ablation, which removes the endometrial lining from the uterus.

If you have had a D&C or ablation and are now experiencing infertility or recurrent miscarriage, then contact Dr Victoria Handley on 0800470 2009 or email [email protected] to discuss your options.

21/09/2023

Asherman syndrome is treated by a surgical procedure – a hysteroscopy. The surgery aims to make the uterus regain its normal size and shape. In addition to diagnosis, hysteroscopy can also be used to treat the condition by cutting the adhesions with cold scissors. Whilst lasers or electrodes can be used, they tend to create more scar tissue, thus perpetuating the problem.