Misdiagnosis of swine flu putting patients at risk

A call centre, established as part of the UK Strategic Pandemic Management Programme, was intended to provide a telephone diagnosis for the large numbers of people who would contract the disease, or believe they had contracted it.

For the vast majority of callers, this was effective in obtaining a diagnosis and medication. However concern has been expressed by many health professionals over the number of serious mistakes occurring during the telephone consulting.

Serious illnesses misdiagnosed as swine flu

Their concern is that serious illnesses have been misdiagnosed as swine flu, thereby delaying the patient’s treatment for their true condition. In some circumstances, this has caused a worsening of the flu condition, but has sadly also resulted in the death of some wrongly diagnosed patients.

Medical negligence compensation claim advice

Several clients and their families have recently contacted us, following the misdiagnosis of swine flu, sometimes with tragic consequences.

Symptoms of swine flu

If you are suffering from swine flu, you will have some or all of the following symptoms.

• unusual tiredness
• headache
• runny nose
• sore throat
• shortness of breath or cough
• loss of appetite
• aching muscles
• diarrhoea or vomiting.

If you are experiencing symptoms other than those listed above, it is possible you may be suffering from something other than swine flu, even if you have been diagnosed. It is advisable that you seek advice from your GP if this is the case.

Making a compensation claim for medical negligence

Have you or a member of your family suffered as a result of medical negligence? For more information about our service or for advice about whether we can assist you with a medical negligence compensation claim contact us today on 0800 783 9019 or complete one of our online compensation claim forms. One of our representatives will contact you as soon as possible.

Clear Answers' solicitors will be happy to provide you with expert legal advice, and our specialist personal injury lawyers will talk you through the claims process in plain English. They will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding your claim.

You will receive 100% of your compensation, and the person responsible for the workplace accident or injury will pay our legal fees - our service will be cost-free for you.

There are some exceptions to this in Medical Negligence cases. Please go to our Costs and Risks section for more detailed information on these and how Clear Answers will handle your claim and funding.

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