Colemans CTTS Solicitors Respond to GP Negligence Leaving Young Mother Dead

A young mother died from a heart virus after doctors repeatedly told her she was suffering from heartburn when she complained of severe chest pains.

Gemma Jones had told doctors of multiple pains including crushing agony in her arms, abdomen and chest for months before collapsing and passing away in her home.

Colemans CTTS Solicitors, which specialise in clinical negligence cases believe a clear lack of urgency and action on behalf of several GP staff is what could have lead to Gemma’s unfortunate death. Kathryn Turner, leader of the clinical negligence team at Colemans spoke on behalf of the company stating, “This sounds like a clear example of negligence by several medical professionals, all of which failed to act.

"The 28 year old was suffering from chronic inflammation of the heart which would have been picked up by a simple ECG test. This would have shown that she did not have acid influx, as doctors told her, but a potential inflammation of the heart caused by a virus. However, while she had seen several doctors about her symptoms, she was constantly misdiagnosed and turned away from lifesaving treatment.

“The acid influx which Ms Jones suffered from is very rare, however it is very serious & without an ECG scan the effects are often difficult to see. What’s most upsetting for Gemma and her family is that it could have been treatable.”

The story covered in the Daily Mail follows further medical negligence trouble suggesting the number of general practitioners involved in clinical negligence cases has reached record numbers, according to new data from the medical defence experts.

The 2011 annual report from the Medical Defence Union shows disciplinary cases against GPs and hospital doctors increased by 56% since last year, with the union opening 17% more medical claims files as well as recording an 18% rise in requests for assistance with GMC investigations.

Turner added “The current situation surrounding the NHS is creating a mountain of financial pressure. There’s a significant jump in the number of cases and the amount paid out which lead to serious questions about the current system.”

Colemans CTTS Solicitors provide expert advice for a variety of legal services including clinical negligence cases. For more information visit the website at http://www.colemans-ctts.co.uk/  or call 0208 296 9966.

Contact Information

Kathryn Turner

Clinical negligence Solicitor

Colemans CTTS

enquiries@colemans-ctts.co.uk