Cancer scan delays at Plymouth’s Derriford Hospital
Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust which runs Derriford Hospital has been criticised because one in six of its cancer patients is waiting longer than recommended for vital CT scans.
One cancer patient from Plymouth faced a three-month wait for a vital CT scan due to an appointment backlog at the hospital. Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust has 2,534 patients waiting for a computerised thermography (CT) scan and 404 have gone over the required waiting time of six weeks.
The Trust for the hospital, which covers Devon and Cornwall, said the delay was due to a number of factors, including the recent replacement of a scanner, vacancies within the department and a rise in demand for scans.
Kevin Baber, chief operating officer for Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, said:
“At present our waiting times for patients needing a CT scan is longer than we would like it to be and some of our patients are waiting longer than they should. We appreciate this is hard for them and want to apologise for any distress and anxiety this maybe causing. We are doing everything we can to reduce the waiting times and to see as many patients as we can.”
He added that Derriford Hospital is planning to recruit more staff within the department.
Last year, Derriford Hospital was warned by the CQC that it must improve safety or risk prosecution after six “never” events within a year, including swabs being left in four patients.
If you require guidance on making a compensation claim for cancer scan delays or would like a FREE assessment of your medical negligence case, call us on 0333 888 0412 or send us an email with brief details of your case.
What our clients say about us
We have over 1,200 reviews and an overall five-star rating on the independent legal review website, ReviewSolicitors.
Here is just a short selection of some of the reviews that our clients have left for our clinical negligence team:
Maddy Lawrence
“With the premature death of our eldest daughter, as it turned out, by clinical negligence, we were facing a very difficult journey both in proving fault and keeping heart and soul together. That we were able to, in terms of the fault element, was down to our professional legal team. They provided clear, calm and compassionate advice which got us through a horrendous inquest and subsequent legal maneuverers. They, in short, were magnificent and we are extremely grateful that we had them on our side.”
Great firm!
“I had an experience with Oliver Thorne who was nothing but helpful with settling my claim. He was very patient and professional as well as making sure I was happy and content throughout the whole process! Would highly recommend him if you’re looking for a solicitor!”
Compassionate, thorough, and outstanding legal support thus far
”Jade was incredibly friendly, taking the time to ask all the right questions and thoroughly investigate our case. Unlike previous solicitors, who dismissed us, Jade and the team at Slee Blackwell delved deeper and gave us renewed hope. We are extremely grateful for the dedication and professionalism in fighting for us. I would recommend Slee Blackwell to anyone in need of legal assistance.”
Mesh claim
“I cannot thank the team enough there understanding and empathy and the knowledge is outstanding. Caroline has been supportive every step of the way, she has informed me and kept me updated how the claim has progressed she has also had great understanding around my mental health and the physical damage I have occurred. I cannot thank the team enough. The team made this experience easier for me to deal with my emotional distress and pain.”
Thank you
“On behalf of all of us, we would like to thank you for your guidance, professionalism, humanity and kindness you have shown us all throughout this process. You have explained everything to us in clear and concise terms throughout and we are extremely grateful. We would have no hesitation recommending you and using your services in future. Thank you.”
Exceptional Service
“I have received expert advice throughout my case, the attention to detail is second to none. Their professional outlook and relatability means that I always recommend the firm. When I was unclear of any information or possible outcomes they took the time to speak with me on a personal level, confirming our conversation through email, I feel supported and understood and most of all they are empathetic, something that is often missing from large firms.”
Friendly, professional, knowledgeable.
“Oliver assisted me in the aftermath of my father’s sudden death in hospital. He helped me to draught my initial letter of complaint to the health authority, represented me and my mother at the inquest and ultimately succeeded in bringing a successful claim. I always felt I could approach Oliver with any questions and he would explain the legal processes in an understandable way. I would not hesitate to recommend him should anyone find themselves in a similar unfortunate position.”
Excellent solicitor
“I cannot recommend this firm highly enough and especially Caroline who is professional approachable and thorough, she works tirelessly and is a real credit to the firm, you are not made to feel like just a number as with other firms, it’s a pleasure to have such an excellent solicitor to represent you when you have gone through so much she is so understanding and knowledgeable.”