Informed consent is important during pregnancy and childbirth.
It may be required from an expectant mother before a decision to opt for a caesarean birth is made, an induced labour or an episiotomy.
Mothers should be fully informed of all the birth options available to them and advised on the benefits and risks of each.
Medical negligence solicitor Maria Repanos explains how a lack of medical consent can result in a birth injury, a stillbirth or a life-long injury to a child.
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One in ten cases of cerebral palsy is due to medical negligence by a midwife, doctor, or medical team. Complications either before or at the time of birth can also lead to other lifelong injuries such as Erb’s Palsy and Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE). Medical negligence lawyer Maria Repanos explains how a baby’s birth injury […]
Many women and children are harmed in pregnancy or during childbirth. Experiencing birth trauma or a birth injury can be due to negligent treatment or poor communication from health professionals. Listen to medical negligence lawyer Maria Repanos explain why you might want an explanation and an investigation if you feel you’ve been let down and […]
In my work for Hudgell Solicitors, I represent many people who have suffered as a result of medical negligence, and most place receiving an apology from those treating them as a priority. People understand that medical mistakes can happen, but what they can’t accept is being faced with outright denials, and a lack of empathy […]
In this article experienced Chartered Legal Executive, Ronke Bain, answers the common questions about clinical negligence claims. What is clinical negligence, and does it differ from medical negligence? Clinical negligence occurs when a healthcare professional provides substandard care that directly causes harm to a patient. This can include misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, surgical errors, medication mistakes […]
What is Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) and is it caused by maternity care negligence? When parents are told their newborn baby has suffered a brain injury at birth it is, of course, a hugely distressing and worrying time. Suddenly they are forced to contemplate a very different life ahead for themselves, their wider family and […]
During pregnancy and birth, healthcare professionals have a duty to provide a reasonable amount of information to an expectant mother, especially before and during labour. This helps expectant parents to make decisions with what’s referred to as ‘informed consent’, or ‘medical consent, before treatment is provided or procedures are carried out. During pregnancy and childbirth […]
At Hudgell Solicitors we welcome the publication of Lord Darzi’s Independent Investigation of the National Health Service in England. The report highlights the severe difficulties within the health service, and whilst it highlights the passion and talent of its employees, it is currently very sadly letting patients down at every stage of life, with a […]
A mother who was not informed her baby was at risk of being born with a life-threatening illness has received £75,000 from a health trust, after it accepted failing them. The girl was born in July 2020 at Hull’s Women and Children’s Hospital, but died two months later. Following legal action led by Hudgell Solicitors, […]
Charlotte Warner’s first child was stillborn due to mistakes midwives made during labour. Maternity staff stopped taking regular heart readings despite having induced labour. Charlotte was just 23 when she lost CJ as midwives failed to notice he was being starved of oxygen. A Serious Incident Investigation (SRI) into the care provided by St George’s […]
