Misdiagnosis of meningitis costs £22m in medical negligence claims

Published on 12 Aug 2010 under category: legal

The Medical Defence Union (MDU) has paid out £22 million in medical negligence claims against doctors who have failed to diagnose meningitis.
Figures from the organisation show that since 1998, a total of 34 cases have been brought, with compensation ranging from £7,000 to £6.8 million.
Of the 34 patients involved in the claims, 22 were children, with 13 of these under the age of five.
The data showed that while meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia claims account for only two per cent of hospital negligence claims made, they make up 15 per cent of payments.
The MDU is now issuing new advice to doctors in the wake of the report to reduce the risks of misdiagnosis.
Dr Karen Roberts, the organisation's medico-legal advisor, said: "There are steps GPs can take to try to lessen their chances of missing a diagnosis."
These include conducting and documenting full clinical or telephone assessments of patients, listening to the concerns of both patient and their parents and arranging reassessments where necessary.
Common symptoms of meningitis include fever, nausea, vomiting, inability to tolerate bright lights, a rapid breathing rate and a blotchy rash that does not fade or change colour when a glass is pressed against it.

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