December Newsletter

Welcome to UKEMs December Newsletter!

As we wrap up the year, we’re diving into our final key topic as well as taking a closer look at UKEM’s year in review. Let’s take a moment to celebrate the standout achievements and memorable moments that have defined UKEM in 2023.

December’s focused topic is the misdiagnosis of women’s health conditions, a prevalent and unfortunate form of medical negligence that has gained particular attention in recent reports. These findings reveal a disconcerting trend: women are disproportionately affected by misdiagnoses.

In this overview, we’ve delved into numerous case studies and reports. Our aim is not only to examine established reports but also to explore the authentic stories of women who have experienced misdiagnosis firsthand.

It’s crucial to highlight that although our focus will primarily be on UK based reports and studies, the misdiagnosis of women’s illnesses is a global concern.

The first study we found relating to the misdiagnosis in women in the healthcare system is in connection to misdiagnosis following a heart attack.

In a study published by the University of Leeds, backed by the British Heart Foundation, they discovered that women have a 50% higher chance of being misdiagnosed following a heart attack.

There are two primary types of heart attacks: ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) and Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI).

STEMI occurs when the main artery responsible for circulating oxygenated blood throughout the body is completely blocked.

On the other hand, NSTEMI, the more prevalent type, involves a partial blockage of one or more arteries. Both types lead to significant damage to the heart muscle.

This study revealed that women diagnosed with STEMI had a 59% higher likelihood of misdiagnosis compared to men. Similarly, women with a final diagnosis of NSTEMI had a 41% greater chance of misdiagnosis compared to their male counterparts.

Women who were misdiagnosed had around a 70% increased risk of death after 30 days compared to those who had a correct diagnosis.

The researchers emphasise the critical importance of receiving a prompt and accurate diagnosis, followed by appropriate treatment, to ensure the best possible recovery after a heart attack.

Delays: The Brain Tumour Charity’s Research on Women’s Misdiagnosis- Prolonged Journeys and Overlooked Timelines

Next, we found a report regarding the misdiagnosis in women with brain tumours, published by The Brain Tumour Charity. It found that nearly one in three individuals had consulted a doctor more than five times before finally receiving their diagnosis, with almost a quarter enduring delays of over a year before being diagnosed.

Women and individuals with lower incomes faced lengthier delays. They were more prone than men to experience a gap of 10 months or more between their initial doctor’s visit and the diagnosis, often making more than five visits to a doctor before the condition was identified.

In a separate article, posted by Wired, they talked about the misdiagnosis amongst women and mentioned that after surgery women are half as likely to receive painkillers after surgery because it is believed women can bear pain better.

Also revealed is the fact that getting a diagnosis and treatment for women’s conditions in the UK is often a prolonged process, taking several months or even years. The typical journey involves weeks to secure a GP appointment, followed by potential delays for routine tests like a gynaecological ultrasound and blood tests.

Subsequent appointments with specialists may take months, rendering previous test results invalid and necessitating further rounds of testing. This prolonged and convoluted process is particularly concerning given that one in three women experiences reproductive health issues. For conditions like endometriosis, it takes an average of approximately seven and a half years to receive a diagnosis.

Unfortunately, late diagnoses are also common in conditions like ovarian cancer, with around 60% being identified too late, according to Cancer Research UK. This protracted timeline is unacceptable and highlights the challenges women face in accessing timely healthcare.

Women’s Struggle with Misdiagnoses

Throughout our research on this subject, we seemed to find a reoccurring theme. A lot of women found themselves experiencing abdominal pain, migraines, severe fatigue, digestive issues, breast pain, speech and mobility issues, lack of appetite, general weakness, and other symptoms amongst this.

It seemed to be often that these women were told it was IBS, menopause, hormonal relates issues or menstrual pain. Despite expressing the desire for additional testing and investigation, they were typically advised to wait a few months and reassess their symptoms.

Below we have two women’s experiences with misdiagnosis that led to worsened symptoms. Please be aware we have taken from the main points indicating negligence and if you would like to read further, we have attached the original stories.

We published an industry news post covering a legal case involving a woman named Claire O’Shea. who was originally diagnosed with IBS and later found out it was uterine leiomyosarcoma – a cancer of the soft tissue in her uterus.

Please read about her story here.

Another woman shared her story, Louise Green back, 48, residing in Uddingston, Scotland, initially dismissed her fatigue and rib pain in June 2021 as pandemic-related stress from her convenience store job. Despite multiple visits to her GP, she was repeatedly told that her symptoms were attributed to menopause. As her condition worsened, she faced difficulty speaking and extreme fatigue, prompting her husband to fear a stroke. Admitted to the hospital at 2 am, she received the shocking diagnosis of incurable bone marrow cancer shortly after her 46th birthday.

Before she was diagnosed with cancer, they tried to run other tests, Louise said:

“They referred me to the hospital for some more tests, but there was nothing else they could do there and then really. They tried to blame it on the menopause because of my age – I couldn’t believe it.”

Please read more about Louise’s story here.

As well as these stories, in several cases we reviewed concerning women suffering with heart issues they were often told they had anxiety, when in reality it was various heart disorders that put them at risk of cardiac arrest.

Why do women face challenges in obtaining accurate diagnoses?

Upon thorough examination of multiple sources, a recurrent influential factor contributing to disparities in health conditions appears to be rooted in misogyny and prejudice. Additionally, there is a noticeable lack of comprehensive research focused on women’s health conditions. It’s crucial to recognise that health issues may manifest differently between men and women, particularly considering the distinct anatomy, such as the womb.

Moreover, the recovery timelines for men and women can significantly differ. This underlines the need for a more inclusive and gender-sensitive approach in both medical research and healthcare practices to address these variations and promote equitable health outcomes.

Raising awareness about this ongoing issue is essential, especially for us here at UKEM a medico-legal agency. Keeping up with themes in negligence helps us provide better support to our clients by staying informed about the challenges people face.

UKEM’s End of Year Review

As it’s the end of the year our head of departments and director wanted to give some words about how 2023 has gone for UKEM.

Alex Seymour-

“As the calendar year draws to a close it’s time to reflect on our achievements in 2024. The team have grown considerably in number and capability while managed to achieve growth across every area.

We have continued to advance our internal technology and we are excited to visit our existing/new clients to reveal our further service improvements in the new year. We have several new projects already in motion and I’m looking forward to what I’m sure will be another fantastic year for UKEM.

Wishing all our clients and friends the very best over the festive period.” 

Alex Pett-

“2023 has been another fantastically enjoyable year for me at the helm of such a thriving department of talented individuals.

The year has seen further departmental growth, largely thanks to us inheriting the Serious Personal Injury work we undertake here at UKExpertMedical, an incredibly exciting venture for me personally, and such a positive way to pool our internal resources to achieve the common goal of helping our clients and customers alike. Despite the growth we’ve maintained the personable approach to our work which is something I’m most proud of this year, and its credit once more to the whole team, who continue to uphold such an excellent level of service.

I’ll be sad to see 2023 pass, but we all couldn’t be more excited for what 2024 has in store!”

Andrew Walker-  

“As we close out 2023, I am delighted to say this year has been our strongest ever. Not only have we increased the headcount within the team, but we have amalgamated the Industrial Disease and Personal Injury departments. We have hit a record number of new instructions across the team, resulting in our highest turnover of medical reports to date.

From what we have been able to achieve in my 10 years in the ID department, it is great to now incorporate our approaches into Personal Injury. Servicing the work to the highest of standards, regardless of the case type, remains our primary goal, especially during this year of growth. Even though we have had a fantastic year, I can still see areas of improvement, which is why I am already looking forward to 2024.

All of our achievements would not be possible without the fantastic efforts of the whole team, and I thank every one of them for the efforts and enthusiasm they bring to their roles.”  

Carrie Hopkinson-

“2023 has been an incredibly busy year for the Medical Records Department.
The requests for our services have continued to grow throughout the year and with that, our team has grown to meet the demand and to maintain the high level of quality work that that our clients have come to expect. With staff growth we have had the opportunity to build again on our skill set and knowledge base.

We reach the end of 2023 working paperless, with an end product that is extremely user friendly for our clients. I am very proud of the department for reaching the milestone this year. As a department and also the wider business we are always looking at improving our services for you. 2024 will continue to see this with some exciting projects happening.

Merry Christmas to all our clients.”

We just wanted to say a final thank you to everyone who has been following our newsletters throughout the year and staying in the loop with UKEM! Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and New Year, and here’s to an even more fantastic 2024! 

New Figures Unveil Alarming Trends in NHS Hospital Errors.
(20th December 2023) Read more

Senedd report finds ‘dangerous bias against women in healthcare.’
(15th December 2023) Read more

2 in 3 maternity wards are deemed ‘unsafe’. Is it now dangerous to give birth using the NHS?
(8th December 2023) Read more
 

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