25 years promoting safety and justice!
Action against Medical Accidents (AvMA) is the independent charity which promotes better patient safety and justice for people who have been affected by a medical accident. A 'medical accident' is where avoidable harm has been caused as a result of treatment or failure to treat appropriately. AvMA believes that whatever the cause of a medical accident, the people affected deserve explanations, support, and where appropriate, compensation. Furthermore, we all deserve to know that the necessary steps will be taken to prevent similar accidents being repeated.
We provide free and confidential advice and support to people affected by medical accidents, via our helpline and casework service and can refer to our panel of specialist clinical negligence solicitors or other sources of support where appropriate.
LATEST NEWS
12/08/08 GMC FACES CHALLENGE OVER REFUSAL TO INVESTIGATE SERIOUS ALLEGATIONS |
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The General Medical Council (GMC) is facing a judicial review of its decision not even to investigate allegations of ‘cover up’, fraud and perverting the course of justice by doctors following the death of a ten year old boy due to negligence. Action against Medical Accidents (‘AvMA’) – the charity which promotes patient safety and justice for people affected by medical accidents – will today (12th August 2008) apply for a judicial review of the GMC’s decision about the allegations concerning the death of Robbie Powell in South Wales in 1990 and subsequent events, which were the subject of a complaint by Robbie’s father, Will Powell. There has already been a successful clinical negligence action brought in connection with Robbie’s death. A police investigation of the actions of several doctors involved in Robbie’s case did not result in a criminal prosecution, but did lead the Crown Prosecution Service to conclude in 2003 that there was an “evidential base for prosecuting for offences of forgery and perverting the course of justice”. The doctors have been accused of falsifying medical records in order to try to cover up failings in the treatment of Robbie. In full knowledge of this and of other evidence available concerning the alleged ‘cover up’, and allegations concerning it being perpetuated at an Inquest in 2004, the GMC refused even to refer the matters to a case examiner for investigation. The Assistant Registrar cited the GMC’s ‘five year rule’ which says that unless there are exceptional circumstances and it is in the public interest to do so, allegations made more than five years after the events giving rise to the allegations, will not normally be investigated. For full Press Release click here |
22/07/08 NHS CHALLENGED OVER 'BEING OPEN' |
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Action against Medical Accidents (AvMA – the charity for patient safety and justice) are pressing for the withdrawal of a circular issued by the NHS Litigation Authority to NHS bodies warning them to take care when providing explanations to patients or families affected by medical accidents so as to “avoid future litigation risks”. For full Press Release click here |
15/07/08 BEREAVED RELATIVES TO BE SUPPORTED AT GOSPORT INQUEST |
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AvMA is offering to support relatives of ten elderly patients who died at Gosport War Memorial Hospital in the late 1990's at a forthcoming inquest in Portsmouth. Families involved in the inquest who have not yet been in contact with AvMA should contact us as soon as possible. A pre-inquest hearing takes place on 14th August. AvMA have arranged with local specialist solicitors, Blake Lapthorn, for legal representation to be offered to families who want it. For full Press Release click here |
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