NHS cancer screening programmes in the UK have come in for some heavy criticism after MP reviews deem systems as “unfit for purpose”.
It’s understood that there are some 360 different IT systems being used by the NHS for bowel, breast and cervical cancer screening. Some of those systems are 30 years old, and programmes “consistently fail” to hit targets.
This is worrying news that comes a year on from the NHS breast cancer screening scandal of 2018 which saw hundreds of thousands of women miss out on lifesaving check-ups because an IT glitch meant their invitation for screening was never sent. We’re taking legal action over that particular scandal having been approached for help and representation.
NHS cancer screening review is worrying
The latest problems being brought to light about NHS cancer screening programmes is worrying. It’s reported that some 3.7 million Brits have missed out on checks, and the waiting for results has also failed to hit targets as well.
We understand that 1.25 million women waited too long for their smear results, which only adds to the stress and anxiety involved in having to wait for news.
Public Health England reportedly admitted that the programmes for breast and bowel screening are “hopeless”, and some problems have been known to date as far back as 2011.
We see what happens to patients…
As injury lawyers who specialise in serious medical negligence compensation claims, we have to bear witness to the impact that NHS cancer screening problems can have on patients and their families.
Lives can be shortened. Patients can be left with permanent complications. And in some case, it’s simply too late before anything can be done at all.
Access to justice for patients who suffer from the impact of medical negligence is what we focus on. When victims are left with pain, suffering and huge costs and expenses from being unable to work, a claim for compensation is often the only thing that can be done.
Compensation for NHS cancer screening problems
Patients who become the victim of medical negligence that’s caused by screening problems can be entitled to make a claim for compensation.
If we think there’s a genuine case to make, we may be able to offer you a No Win, No Fee agreement.
We’re happy to look into your circumstances on a free and no-obligation basis. You can contact our team for help and advice at your convenience.
