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Deaths from hospital error increase 60 per cent
Bo Wilson06.01.09
THE number of patients killed by hospital blunders has risen by 60 per cent in two years, according to new figures.
Records show that 3,645 died as a result of outbreaks of infections, botched operations and other mistakes between 2007 and last year - up from 2,275 two years ago.
Experts say the toll could be even higher because many hospitals do not record all the "patient safety incidents".
In October last year, the Patients Association warned that one in every 300 NHS patients were killed because of blunders.
The figures, released by the Liberal Democrats, show that, among the total number, 385 died last year due to botched operations and 156 because scans were read wrongly or patients misdiagnosed.
Another 54 were killed by wrongly administered drugs and 40 by faulty medical equipment, while 171 died from accidents such as falls.
Another 135 died because they were not transferred properly between hospitals or wards, 22 deaths happened as a result of abuse by hospital staff and 487 committed suicide when their depression should have been spotted by doctors.
Lib-Dem health spokesman Norman Lamb said: "These statistics are stark and the trend is shocking. There needs to be a change of culture at the heart of the NHS. We have got far too many targets and there is a real risk that, although they are very effective at addressing a specific issue, they mean trusts do not see safety as a priority."
Roger Goss, of Patient Concern, said: "This news is shocking. Patients are already extremely nervous when they have to go to hospital, so they need this news like a hole in the head."
A Department of Heath spokesman said: "The NHS sees a million people every 36 hours. Unfortunately, as in any health service, mistakes and unforeseen accidents will occasionally happen."
Reader views (4)
The NHS is not so good anymore.
- Jacqueline, Hampstead, London
The culture which exists within the DoH and so liberally condoned by Whitehall Complaint spinners is to blame. Most in the NHS do a fantastic job, however whether somebody medically trained or a member of the public - should you dare to flag up faulty care, dirty conditions, under staffing, bullying or downright dangerous care for yourself or perhaps concerns about a colleague or 'rogue practice'. The end result will be bullying, less care, or if working for a PCT - perhaps job loss. PCT Chief executives know perfectly well that they can launder complaint at a great public cost to both sides, even if a HCC warning letter has been issued. The government are having great fun manipulating the public via the press to pitch patients against GP's. Its not fair.
- Mary Foord-Brown, suffolk coastal
So how does this compare to Road Deaths per annum. Are we noe going to see rafts of legislation to cover such errors a Causing death by faulty equipment, or is it only road deaths that are prosecuted. this is a reflection on the Government and the NHS managers,but as with everything in the public sector, don't hold your breath for common sense to prevail.
- Alan, carlisle uk
This is no surprise. Working hours have been cut - although the workload has not diminished. This means that fewer staff have more to do and therefore the possibility of error increases.
The length of training - as measured in total hours - for medical staff has greatly diminished, so it is not surprising that the no of errors has increased, given the lack of experience which should be accumulated over 24 hours per day rather than a shift system, thanks to the politicians who do not have the slightest idea about such things
- Cjgood, London UK
