I have made
no secret of my views on the devastating effect that cuts in legal aid will
have on Access to Justice for ordinary people.
But we
cannot forget that cuts are also hitting the NHS. This affects the
lives of vulnerable patients and could result in many claims for medical negligence.
This is
highlighted today in a report that says that patients with learning
difficulties are being put in danger because of inadequate levels of care –
This report
is based on a survey of disability nurses – those in the front line of caring
with this most vulnerable of groups. 73% say that they are concerned about the
welfare of patients. The number of nurses with specialist training has dropped
by a staggering 50% since 1995.
Dr. Peter
Carter of the RCN said –
"Politicians need to understand that cheap care is poor
care. Even the most hard-nosed economist will tell you that."
This is a double concern for all of us. The NHS has been one
of the greatest achievements of the welfare state. All of us, regardless of
political persuasion, agree that a service which offers quality care to all, regardless
of means, is something for which we are rightly proud. But if the most
vulnerable of all are being placed in danger due to economic policies then
there is clearly something wrong.
But it is also a false economy.
If patients suffer injury or worse due to inadequate care
then the NHS will be subjected to a huge increase in damages claims for
negligence. The NHS funds will come under even greater pressure as a result. Now
politicians like to blame victims and their lawyers who sue for damages, for putting
a burden on taxpayers. But this is a case where nobody could be blamed other
than those who are making the cuts. And why should caring nurses have to worry
about negligence claims when their resources are stretched?
Basic care should be a right for all and those responsible
for depriving patients of this should be held responsible.
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