A woman is furious following a denial of any wrongdoing by the NHS following her father’s treatment and subsequent death in a Devon hospital. Jennifer Leach’s complaint prompted an enquiry in to the treatment of her father, Stan Rogers, after he died at Whipton hospital in 2005.
In April 2008, Devon Primary Care Trust apologised to her for the treatment her father received after he was admitted. After looking in to the complaints, the Healthcare Commission looked at various aspects of his care.
The Primary Care Trust report stated that there were persistent failings and staff shortages which significantly impacted on the standards of care being provided. According to the BBC the report indicated, amongst other things leadership failings, patients not always being appropriately supported for feeding and families feeling that their concerns were ignored by staff.
Despite this report and the payment of £5000 in compensation to Mr Rogers’ family, the NHS litigation Authority have denied any wrongdoing which has upset Mrs Leach greatly. When bringing a claim it is important to recognise that obtaining compensation and getting an apology do not necessarily go hand in hand.
Often the victim of a medical accident would rather receive an explanation, an apology, or a promise that procedures will be reviewed rather than compensation. More than 30 recommendations were made following a review of procedures in Whipton hospital and Mrs Leach did receive an apology from the trust’s chief executive, as did two other families.
However, understandably it can leave a bitter aftertaste in the mouth where no admission of liability has been acknowledged.
