Increase in clinical negligence claims against nurse practitioners
- Feb 17, 2016
- EmmaArnold
The number of clinical negligence claims and complaints involving nurse practitioners has increased.
The Medical Defence Union (MDU) has warned how their members reported 25 claims arising from their practice last year compared to just two claims reported ten years previously in 2005.
They described one claim which settled for more than £2 million after a patient was prescribed a contraceptive and then suffered a stroke.
The MDU states they have helped nurse practitioners with over 400 complaints and clinical negligence claims between 2010 and 2015 as well as other medico-legal matters.
Hannah Bottomley, clinical negligence solicitor at PotterReesDolan, said:
It is very interesting to read the recent comments from the MDU. However, I think this should be taken in context. Whilst complaints are increasing, the total number which the MDU dealt with on behalf of their members was still only 60.
A representative from the MDU said how many nurse practitioners have developed more responsibility to ease the increasing pressure from the rest of the team in their practice.
However, by taking on more roles and responsibilities, nurse practitioners are therefore more at risk of being accountable if something went wrong.
Between 2010 and 2015, the most common reason for a clinical negligence claim made against a nurse practitioner was a wrong or delayed diagnosis followed by a delay in referrals or errors in prescriptions.
Hannah added:
Clearly, therefore, the number of complaints and claims against nurse practitioners is relatively low compared with other aspects of healthcare. However, it is a worrying trend that they are increasing. As more medical care is being done within the community has many positives as it can reduce the work load on GPs therefore reducing waiting times and enabling patients quicker access to necessary medical care.
I would hope that by following the advice to only work within their competence, nurse practitioners continue to support GPs and fulfill a vital role in community based care whilst at the same time enabling all patients access to the medical care they require in a timely fashion.
If you have suffered an injury due to medical error and would like more information regarding making a claim or hospital complaint processes contact a member of our specialist clinical negligence team on 0161 237 5888.