Patient receives compensation after multiple medication mistakes
A patient has received damages of £7,500 after repeated prescribing errors by the Learning Assessment & Neurocare Centre (LANCuk) exacerbated existing psychological conditions.
The patient has a history of borderline personality disorder, Adult Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and self-harm. In 2019, he was referred to LANCuk – which specialises in the assessment and management of people with complex neurodevelopmental difficulties – and prescribed medication.
From complaint to medical negligence claim
In 2021, the patient raised a complaint citing recurring problems with missed prescriptions or wrongly prescribed medications. He received a letter of apology in September 2021, confirming a number of errors.
With Attwaters’ support, the patient started a medical negligence claim in 2022 based on LANCuk’s failure to prescribe the correct medication and the correct number of tablets in a timely manner. It was also alleged that LANCuk failed to ensure the patient received his medication and to provide adequate follow-up care.
Patient felt suicidal after repeated problems with prescriptions
Attwaters engaged a Consultant Psychiatrist to review the case and report on how the alleged breach of duty by LANCuk had affected the patient.
The independent doctor reported that prescriptions of appropriate medication for ADHD were impaired and/or delayed on a regular basis over a number of months, which had impacted the patient’s psychological stability and social functioning. This had sparked feelings of anger and distress, ultimately leading to an adjustment disorder and suicidal ideation.
The doctor concluded that LANCuk’s failure to provide appropriate medication had contributed to the patient developing anxiety and depressive symptoms. Due to the level of distress experienced by the patient, the Consultant Psychiatrist recommended additional treatment in the form of cognitive behaviour therapy.
Helping patients get justice and compensation
The team at Attwaters supported the patient throughout the medical negligence claims process, which included contacting various potential defendants and negotiating an extension to the legal time to limitation. In January 2024, LANCuk agreed a settlement payment of £7,500.
Neurodevelopmental and psychological conditions can have a massive impact on a person’s wellbeing – especially when they are not treated correctly.
If you or a loved one has received an incorrect diagnosis or medication for a psychological – or physical – condition, you might be able to claim for compensation.
The Attwaters medical negligence team has extensive experience of securing settlements for breaches of care and duty – especially for psychiatric injury and mental health. Contact us on 0330 221 8855 or enquiries@attwaters.co.uk.
