Chesterfield solicitor says hospitals 'must open up' urgently for non-Covid patients

Carol Simpson, head of clinical negligence at Graysons Solicitors, is backing a nationwide campaign urging the NHS to restore services to patients who have seen their treatment delayed during the pandemic.

Graysons, based on Saltergate, is expecting claims from non-Covid-19 patients and their families who have endured avoidable harm or even death in recent weeks.

The firm claims the situation is worsening as the health of patients requiring urgent treatment for life-threatening conditions is put at further risk due to NHS services being prioritised for Covid-19.

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They say the case of one of their own clients, 65-year-old Martin Ducksbury, is typical.

He was diagnosed with a tumour in his kidney in December 2019 and was set for an operation in April.

Mr Ducksbury already had progressive lung disease and was in the ‘high risk’ Covid-19 category.

His cancer surgery was cancelled altogether as doctors were worried about him contracting the virus and he has been given no time frame for a rescheduled operation.

He said: “This is an incredibly stressful situation for my wife and me. We’ve been told the cancer is slow growing but we’ve no idea how aggressive it is.”

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Carol said: “The Government must open up services to non-Covid-19 patients as a matter of extreme urgency.

“Whilst the intention to protect would-be patients from the risk of contracting Covid-19 was laudable, this now has to be balanced with the risk of not getting diagnosed or treated for life-threatening conditions which are far more likely to harm or kill them.”

A spokesperson for Joined Up Care Derbyshire said: “Throughout the pandemic, health services have remained as accessible as possible through video consultations, telephone clinics and face to face appointments where necessary.

"The NHS has always been here to help as Emergency Departments and A&Es have and continue to be open for referrals and walk in services with 111 available for health advice when needed.

“As more services are restored in a controlled and measured way, we would urge people not to neglect their own health and to do what they would normally do if they have any concerns.”

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