Recent reports into the care of patients at St George’s, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust have highlighted the importance of patients receiving treatment based on the latest medical evidence.
The review looked at the care provided by consultant respiratory doctor Dr Veronica Varney to patients with interstitial lung disease. The findings raised concerns about treatment decisions and patient harm. Dr Varney remains under investigation by the General Medical Council.
The case highlights an important wider issue: the need for doctors to provide care based on current research, guidance and accepted medical practice.
What is evidence-based medicine?
Evidence-based medicine means using the best available research, clinical guidance and a doctor’s expertise to decide the best treatment for a patient.
Medical knowledge changes all the time. Treatments are updated as new evidence becomes available, helping patients receive care that is safe and effective.
When can poor care become clinical negligence?
Not every poor outcome is caused by negligence. Sometimes treatments do not work, even when the right care has been given.
However, clinical negligence can happen when care falls below a reasonable standard and this causes avoidable harm.
Examples include:
- A delayed diagnosis or treatment
- Failure to refer to the right specialist
- Outdated or unsuitable treatment
- Failure to offer recognised treatment options
- Poor follow-up or monitoring
Getting advice if you are concerned
Patients have the right to expect care that reflects current medical knowledge and for treatment decisions to be properly explained.
If you believe you or a loved one has suffered harm because of poor medical care, our clinical negligence specialists can help you understand what happened and whether you may have a claim – Call or Email our experts today.
