Partner and Head of Technical in Medical Negligence
Simpson Millar, a leading national law firm specialising in medical negligence, is calling for immediate action following revelations that thousands of children with hearing issues were misdiagnosed at NHS audiology units across England.
According to media reports, leaked documents have revealed that since 2019, 1,540 children were misdiagnosed, with 480 suffering moderate or severe harm, including permanent delays in speech and language development. Some children were given the all-clear despite having significant hearing problems.
An expert review of 140 audiology units identified concerns at over 90 of them, and despite NHS England being aware of these issues for more than a year, action was only taken last week when local units were told to review their services and recall patients if necessary.
This review is not expected to be completed until March next year, raising concerns about further delays.
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Concerns Raised by Law Firm Simpson MillarLaw firm Simpson Millar, which represents dozens of children and adults who have suffered harm because of issues relating to audiology services and care, raised concerns about potential delays in diagnosis and incorrect treatment.
They say that in many cases the clients the represent experience a range of symptoms that affect their everyday lives, including balance problems, dizziness and sickness, through to facial palsy and severe infections leading to permanent deafness.
Commenting on the findings of the investigation, Kate Sweeney, who leads Simpson Millar’s medical law team, said: “It is deeply concerning that so many children may have been affected by failings in NHS audiology services, and it is completely unacceptable that a review into the care they received may not be completed until next year.
“Many parents are understandably distressed about the impact on their child's development, particularly as these children have already faced significant challenges due to the pandemic, such as school closures and social distancing. Any further delay in receiving a correct diagnosis and starting treatment will only compound the issue.
“It is absolutely imperative that an urgent review and recall process takes place at all affected NHS audiology units, alongside immediate training for staff to prevent further errors. Additionally, robust support is needed to help these children catch up, and a full inquiry must be conducted to understand how these failings occurred and why they went unaddressed for so long."
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4.5 out of 5 based off 3176 reviewsKate McCue is a Partner and Head of Technical in Simpson Millar's Medical Negligence department, based in Bristol. With over 20 years of legal experience, she specialises in complex Medical Negligence claims, including birth injuries, spinal injuries, delayed cancer diagnoses and surgical negligence. She also oversees technical standards, provides specialist guidance and supports the professional development of colleagues across the department. Kate is accredited by the Law Society's Clinical Negligence Accreditation Scheme.
Simpsonmillar.co.uk. (2019). Kate Sweeney | Head of Clinical Negligence | Simpson Millar Solicitors. [online] Available at: https://www.simpsonmillar.co.uk/our-people/kate-sweeney/
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