Medical negligence
Nearly one in three people believe they have been misdiagnosed by UK healthcare providers
Shocking new statistics reveal that 31 per cent of UK residents believe they have been misdiagnosed by a medical professional.
The data raises further concerns around standards of UK healthcare, with a further 17 per cent confirming they knew they have been misdiagnosed by a medical professional.
The study discovered that a shocking 44 per cent of people do not feel confident challenging their GP, even if they felt they have been misdiagnosed.
In their times of doubt, the respondents who believed they were misdiagnosed decided to seek validation for their concerns. 32 per cent decided to ask for a second opinion on their misdiagnosis and 30 per cent actively visited another medical professional, who confirmed their misdiagnosis.
Law firm Slater and Gordon initiated the study as part of its wider self-advocacy campaign, highlighting the injustice people receive from health professionals through negligence or misdiagnosis.
The firm encourages people to feel empowered to seek answers if they believe they are being mistreated by any medical professional, including their GP, hospital, nurse or private healthcare provider.
Emma Doughty, national Head of Medical Negligence at Slater and Gordon, adds: “It is very concerning to find that this many people feel they have been misdiagnosed by their medical professional.”
“The fact that nearly half of UK residents wouldn’t feel confident challenging a GP if they are feeling unsure about their diagnosis is even more alarming . If you feel that something isn’t correct, you should feel able to explore this with your doctor, so that you and they can alleviate any residual concerns or address the problem further.
“If you have concerns about the care you have received, and if you feel that you may have been subject to misdiagnosis or negligence, it is vital you seek support in dealing with this. Every patient is entitled to the best possible standard of care, and if you do not believe you have experienced this, then our team at Slater and Gordon will be able to assist.”
If you are considering seeking legal support for your medical negligence claim, speak with one of our experts today by calling 0330 041 5869 or contact us online.
