In some DVT cases, there are few or no symptoms that this condition exists. However, possible signs of DVT include:

• Swelling and pain experienced in the leg, usually in the calf area

• Aching within the affected area

• Warmer skin where the clot is present

• The appearance of the skin becoming red below the back of the knee

GPs often refer patients for a specific blood test called a D-dimer test, if they suspect DVT. This test can detect broken down pieces of blood clot within the bloodstream.

A large quantity of blood clot pieces is a warning sign that a blood clot is present. The reliability of this test has been questioned though because the number of blood clot pieces present in the bloodstream can increase for other reasons. For example, after an operation or during pregnancy. Therefore, often an ultrasound scan will also be required before DVT can be properly diagnosed. 

ENT surgery is a term used to cover all surgical operations performed by specifically trained otolaryngologists on the ear, nose or throat.

ENT surgery may be performed for the following reasons:

• Pain experienced in the face
• Tinnitus (i.e. a persistent ringing in the ears)
• Removal of obstructions from the nasal passage
• To treat sleep apnoea (i.e. when your breathing stops and starts whilst you sleep)
• Rhinoplasty (i.e. a nose job).

Multiple eye procedures exist. The list below contains examples of the most common procedures which can result in negligence claims:

• Cataracts surgery – an ophthalmic surgeon removes a cloudy lens from the eye and it is replaced with an artificial lens.
• Glaucoma surgery – excess fluid is removed which causes increased pressure in the eye. If left untreated this could result in damage to the optic nerve.
• Retinal detachment surgery – an ophthalmic surgeon corrects a detached retina in order to save the patient’s vision and secure the retina in place whilst it heals.
• Surgery for eye conditions relating to diabetes – an example is surgery performed to rectify damage to the eye’s blood vessels. 

The effects of negligent eye treatment can be life changing since we are all dependent on our sight. Daily tasks can prove more challenging without support. Some of the most common consequences of negligent eye treatment include:

• ·         Blindness
•  Difficulties with night vision
•  Over-correction or under-correction of a patient’s sight
•  Ptosis (i.e. drooping of the upper eyelid).

The cornea covers the front of the eye, protecting it and focusing light. It is strong and durable in nature but can be subject to damage during procedures. Possible side effects include:

• Infection
• Scarring
• Corneal haze (i.e. mistiness of vision which is long term in nature).

Problems with the heart can be life changing. Delays in treatment, incorrect diagnosis and inadequate treatment can all lead to injury which may otherwise have been avoided. Some examples of common heart problems include:

•  Hypertension (i.e. abnormally high blood pressure)
• Arrhythmias (i.e. irregular heartbeat)
• Aortic aneurysm (i.e. abnormal widening in the wall of the major blood vessel, the aorta)
• Endocarditis (i.e. infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and heart valves)
• Coronary heart disease, angina and heart attacks. 

Gastroenterology claims often include:

• Delay in diagnosis
• Negligent diagnosis of bowel disease
• Negative side effects resulting from the prescription of medication for bowel disease
• Sub-standard treatment during endoscopy procedures (i.e. when an instrument is used to view an internal part of the body).

The General Medical Council (GMC) provides a set of standards which a GP must follow, outlining what a patient can expect from their GP. If a GP does not meet these standards, they are at risk of their membership to GMC being revoked. A patient may also be able to claim compensation from their GP if they have suffered as a result of substandard care and treatment.

 The key duties that must be demonstrated by a GP are:

•  Putting the needs of the patient first
• ·         Providing a good level of care
• ·         Treating patients on an individual basis and with dignity
• ·         Acting quickly if they believe the patient’s health is at risk
• ·         Working collaboratively with patients and colleagues
• ·         Acting with integrity and honesty

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) has also set out guidelines to assist GPs when treating patients and arranging referrals. If these guidelines are not followed, negligent treatment or misdiagnosis can result.

Yes. A patient has a right to request access to their medical records under the Access to Health Records Act 1990, Data Protection Act (DPA 2018) and the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR 2018).

The patient can request access themselves (if they have capacity) or authorise a third party (such as a solicitor) to make the request on their behalf. It is known as a Subject Access Request (SAR). 

The GDPR 2018 provides that such records should be provided within 30 days and that no fee is payable.

Yes. Personal Representatives and anyone who may have a claim in relation to a patient’s death have a right to request access to the deceased’s records. You would need to provide evidence in support of your request, such as a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration. Requests should be made to Primary Care Support England (PCSE).  It is unlikely that the deceased’s usual GP Surgery will continue to hold their records after their death.