NHS aims to reduce waiting times with Elective Recovery Plan
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The NHS recently recorded their waiting list to be at 6.5 million, a record high. Much of this backlog is due to COVID-19 and staff prioritising treatment for over 700,000 patients unwell with the virus over those with planned procedures. The Government has put in plans to eliminate this with the NHS Elective Recovery Plan, focusing on patients who have been waiting 2 years in acute hospitals for surgery.
Over 6,000 patients still on this waiting list have been asked if they are prepared to travel to different parts of the country for their procedures, and over 400 patients have willingly accepted. As a result, Sajid Javid has reported that the number of patients waiting over 2 years for treatment had already reduced by two thirds. Patients have been reassured that a full clinical assessment will take place before any change of hospital, ensuring that they are matched with the best possible hospitals needed for their care. Patients will be offered the same level of care and service, and accommodation and travel costs will also be available where suitable.
However, even though many may be willing to relocate, they may have specialist care and needs which can only be treated at certain hospitals, putting a limit on how many patients can be treated elsewhere. Nevertheless, paired with weekend clinics and surgery hubs (some offering same-day hip replacements), the NHS hope to eliminate 2 year waits for elective surgery by July 2022, eliminate waits of longer than a year for elective care by March 2025, and eliminate waits of over 18 months by April 2023.
Whilst much of this backlog has been attributed to the pandemic, it has been argued that this only exacerbated existing issues that were there before COVID-19, and any efforts to restore the system will only be undermined by a lack of staff and beds in hospitals. The Plan recognises this and proposes to implement training and recruiting of new staff, as well as more options for current staff for flexible or remote work and opportunities to develop new skills and progress within the NHS.
Hopefully, this waiting list will drastically reduce as a result of NHS efforts and Government funding, and those needing treatment will receive it without unreasonable delay. Osbornes have represented many clients where delayed treatment was avoidable, and where the effects of such delayed treatment have been life changing.
If you’d like to speak to the medical negligence department about NHS complaints or another matter, call 020 7485 8811 or complete an online enquiry form. Our specialist lawyers can provide you with a consultation to evaluate the circumstances of your claim.
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“Osbornes handles a wide range of high-value and complex clinical negligence cases, with particular expertise in birth injury, delayed cancer diagnosis, spinal injury, and fatal claims.”
“Osbornes Law is an established firm which handles a breadth of complex and high-value clinical negligence matters.”
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He also has a niche specialism in claims involving cauda equina syndrome.
Elline Demetriou is building a strong practice as a clinical negligence solicitor, handling a wide variety of cases including delayed diagnosis, surgical negligence and birth injuries.
Elline is always a pleasure to work with and always on top of complex cases.
Elline is a gifted lawyer and possesses a powerful combination of legal and medical skills, being tactically astute and having strong client care skills.
Elline is a delightful to work with and super reliable; you know she'll do a perfect job.
She advises on spinal injury claims.
Jodi Newton acts for clients on claims arising from negligent obstetric care, sepsis and delays in diagnosis and treatment.
Jodi is passionate and balances that with the ability to see the right way to run a case from her first involvement.
Jodi is very knowledgeable, gets outstanding results for her clients, and is always available when assistance is required.
Jodi is an absolute star.
Hugh has particular strength handling issues of causation and informed consent.
Hugh Johnson advises on claims regarding failures to diagnose and manage spinal injuries, as well as failings in psychiatric care.
He thinks outside the box and is always thinking a step ahead of his opponent.
Hugh is utterly charming, highly empathetic and a first rate lawyer. He always comes in with good observations.
Osbornes Law offers experience in obstetric and fatal claims as well as niche cauda equina cases.
The team has particular expertise in cases stemming from delays in diagnosis as well as surgical injury and wrongful birth claims.
Osbornes Law is an established firm which handles a breadth of complex and high-value clinical negligence matters.
They are a very tight team. They're very friendly, helpful and obtain excellent results for clients.
A quality firm of solicitors with excellence at all levels of the team.
They know the law inside out and proactively work with counsel to drive cases forward. They are a go-to for complex claims.
Ben Posford, head of catastrophic injury, is well-known for spinal cord and cauda equina claims, including high-profile fatality work.
Josie Robinson brings 20 years of experience to the team, with specialist insight into pelvic mesh claims and maternal death cases.
Elline Demetriou supports the team on catastrophic injury cases and has a growing caseload in maternity and care home negligence.
Elline Demetriou is an up and coming associate. She is thorough and empathetic, with great client care skills.
Nicholas Leahy leads the firm’s inquests work and has developed a specialism in stillbirth and surgical fatality claims.
Nicholas Leahy is a very impressive associate. He is sharp and gets to the crux of the case quickly.
Jodi Newton is a fierce advocate for her clients and a very genuine person. She cares about each case.
Jodi Newton is fantastic. She's detail orientated and a really capable head of birth and paediatric negligence. She's a joy to work with.
Jodi Newton is particularly noted for her work on cerebral palsy and maternal injury claims.
Osbornes handles a wide range of high-value and complex clinical negligence cases, with particular expertise in birth injury, delayed cancer diagnosis, spinal injury, and fatal claims.
I am always happy to get instructions from Osbornes. They have excellent quality work, the team knows exactly what they are doing and are a real pleasure to work with. Excellent legal knowledge.
The team has excellent leadership and provide an above and beyond service for their clients.
A close knit team with excellent knowledge and technical acumen across the board.
You get a real sense that they care about clients and each other, working together to get the best results.
The team works very well together as they are genuinely kind and friendly people.
Hugh's technical knowledge is superb.
He is excellent with very complex cases and their nuances.
I am very confident with Hugh representing me and always value his expertise and advice. He's always many steps ahead.
He is a master tactician and so on the ball; not a single thing goes under his radar. He really understands the medical side and is always thinking about how to achieve the best outcome for clients.
Hugh Johnson is fiendishly intelligent, with a laser sharp focus on the issues that matter.
Josie Robinson- very experienced, caring and professional. Excellent.
Elline Demetriou is one to watch for the future. She is determined and thoughtful, with a real dedication to her clients.
She is very tough, a real fighter, and drives a hard bargain for her clients. She has good judgment, and a good sense of the strengths and weaknesses of a case.
Jodi Newton is a passionate, hard-working and committed partner. She is excellent with clients, and gives absolutely 100% to all of her cases.
Nicholas Leahy - understands client needs very well, very responsive and proactive.
Jodi is very experienced and knowledgeable
It is a pleasure to work with Jodi. She has an excellent understanding of the issues and provides a good service.
Osbornes are always professional and diligent in respect of their clients.
Osbornes has an excellent depth of experience across the team.
Across the board, they are all a pleasure to work with. They always keep a pragmatic head and all have an eye on the best outcome for the client.
Jodi Newton - very hands on, gives every case her heart and soul
Jodi Newton is rapidly becoming the go-to partner for cerebral palsy cases. She has the determination to fight for her clients and is involved in some of the biggest cases at the moment.
Nicholas Leahy is a very safe pair of hands and really compassionate with clients. I expect great things from him in future.
Small but very effective and experienced team so every client benefits from the personal touch but also highly skilled litigation know-how. Capability of the team means they can handle all aspects of very complex cases as well as straightforward matters.
Ben Posford typically operates in the team’s spinal cord and cauda equina syndrome litigation.
Jodi Newton holds over 20 years of experience in birth and surgical injury cases, including those pertaining to cerebral palsy, negligent treatment of sepsis, and negligent A&E treatment.
The team frequently represents claimants in complex cognitive and spinal injury disputes, involving hypertensions, spinal fractures, as well as inadequate treatment of heart and blood diseases.
The team handles a host of complex maternal claims, including cognitive injuries as a result of delayed birth treatments, cerebral palsy, and vaginal mesh litigation.
Josie Robinson is fantastic with clients, very commercial and hugely experienced. Opponents respect her and she gets great results.
Osbornes is a very respected firm in the marketplace.
They handle really complex cases very well
The clinical negligence team are knowledgeable and professional in their approach and demonstrate a high level of skill in litigation work.
Osbornes Law offers experience in obstetric and fatal claims as well as niche cauda equina cases.
Osbornes Law is an established firm which handles a breadth of complex and high-value clinical negligence matters.
Jodi is really tenacious; she demands the best results and manages to secure them. She's got real drive and energy.
Jodi is passionate about what she does and is a good lawyer.
Jodi is very astute and compassionate.
Jodi Newton is passionate about her work and is a really creative lawyer, always trying to find practical and innovative solutions to problems encountered.
Jodi Newton is knowledgeable and well regarded.
Jodi Newton has specific expertise regarding birth negligence cases, including those which involve cerebral palsy and Erb’s palsy injuries.
Osbornes has a skilled team of solicitors advising clients on a wide range of clinical negligence matters.
Hard working, approachable, good knowledge of clinical negligence and clients’ specific conditions
A joy to work with and always 100% client focused at all times.
The clinical negligence team at Osbornes is much lauded for its ability to ‘represent the diverse range of London-based clients
“The team is very quick and efficient in responding."
"Obsbornes Law is always client-focused and works tirelessly to obtain the best outcomes for clients."
Ben Posford leads the catastrophic injury team and regularly represents claimants in neurological injury and fatal accident claims. He also has a niche specialism in claims involving cauda equina syndrome.
Jodi Newton acts for clients on claims arising from negligent obstetric care, sepsis and delays in diagnosis and treatment. She also advises on spinal injury claims.
"She is really wonderful in sensitively handling clients in extreme situations and is a real fighter."
"Jodi Newton is approachable and always has the client's best interest at heart."
‘They are ambitious for their clients and expect high standards from all who work with them.’
"Osbornes somehow combine the accessibility of a local firm, with the professional standards of a national or city outfit."
"I’ve been hugely impressed by Jodi Newton – she’s truly passionate about her cases and her clients, a real fighter and a star in the making."
"Jodi Newton has carved out a niche specialism in cerebral palsy and serious claims arising out of childbirth. She is so committed to her clients and their claims that she always gains and deserves their respect. A true specialist."
"Osbornes, is described as having ‘superb judgement and a medical knowledge that is second to none."
"Ben Posford’s particular expertise in this area focuses upon cauda equina claims, of which he is an undisputed powerhouse."
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They are an excellent firm who achieve fantastic outcomes for their clients. They are also very prominent in injuries to those travelling to or from Europe. Multiple languages are spoken by the team.
This firm is responsive and efficient. Their rapidity in dealing with complications or hiccups is excellent.
Jodi Newton is brilliant – a very capable, experienced and empathetic solicitor who has experience of handling high value and complicated cases. I am working with her on a cerebral palsy case at the moment, in which she has obtained an admission of liability and a substantial interim payment. A first class addition to the team.
Really great clinical negligence practice, staffed by experienced practitioners who know how NHS Trusts work. They also build great rapport with clients.’
The team at Osbornes was recently strengthened by the arrival of 'experienced and empathetic' associate Jodi Newton. She joins a department noted for its expertise in delayed diagnosis and wrongful birth claims.
A stand-out solicitor with a huge track record of successful clinical negligence work. She is forensic in her attention to detail, but also sees the broad sweep of strategic considerations”.
Excellent service from Osbornes throughout on a difficult clinical negligence claim. Nicholas Leahy who handled the claim was responsive and professional throughout, while also providing pragmatic advice and clear drafting.
Working with Osbornes Law was the best decision I could have made. Nick was really attentive to my issue and did a very thorough job. He truly made the process headache free! Highly recommend them.
Nick Leahy has been my Solicitor throughout this journey and has been absolutely amazing; kind, approachable and extremely supportive... Through some dogged determination by Nick we achieved our goal without having to go to trial. I cannot thank Nick, Stephanie and all of the team at Osbornes highly enough for achieving a very favourable settlement, the outcome of which will make a huge difference to myself and my family.
“The stand-out solicitor is Jodi Newton, who has a huge track record of successful clinical negligence work. She is forensic in her attention to detail, but also sees the broad sweep of strategic considerations”.
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Osbornes provides a very intimate and personal client service which is increasingly rare in this sector.
The lawyers in the team are highly experienced and will drive cases very hard on behalf of their clients.
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Quite simply excellent, with a highly competent and well-rounded team. They understand complex medical litigation and have been our lifesavers, and we will always owe them our immense gratitude.
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