Sickle Cell Awareness Issues – GPs
When I saw this article in a Birmingham newspaper today it reinforced a view that I’ve held for several years now. Our GPs are very often not looking for sickle cell and hence miss the opportunity to diagnose the full blow illness or even the less well known issues of SC Trait or even Thalessemia. This man and his family have paid a very high price. Please understand that I’m not advocating mass inoculation – it is a question of risk and education.
Payout for Marston Green man denied jab
Jan 6 2010
A MARSTON Green man who was left blind and disabled after blundering doctors failed to give him a ‘simple injection’ received a substantial payout last week.
Raymond Stanley, 42, who was born with Sickle Cell Disorder and thus susceptible to pneumococcal infections, was not given the recommended jab to prevent the deadly disease.
Over eight years, five different GPs failed to provide the former postman with the vital vaccine, which would have prevented him contracting the infection and suffering a heart attack.
“My life has been turned upside down due to the infection I contracted and the health problems it caused,” said Raymond, who is still very ill at the moment.
“I can no longer work, and my wife, Kim, has also had to give up her job in order to care for me full-time at home.
“Hopefully the settlement we’ve received will ensure I get the best possible health care for my disabilities and health problems in future.
“I would strongly urge anyone who has Sickle Cell Disorder or has had their spleen removed, to take it upon themselves to insist on a pneumococcal vaccine from the doctor – I’ve learnt the hard way what the consequences can be if you don’t.”
The Department of Heath recommends that patients with Raymond’s condition be inoculated to prevent pneumococcal infections, but between 1996 and 2004, no injection was given.
Raymond contracted a severe pneumococcal infection in 2004, which led to a heart attack and septicaemia, leaving him blind and with kidney damage. Also, during his seven-month hospital treatment he developed heel ulcers which became infected with MRSA and have still not healed to this day.
“This case constitutes a gross failure in patient care from a number of doctors who did not provide the necessary treatment for Mr Stanley’s condition,” said solicitor James Bell of Russell Jones and Walker, who represented Raymond.
“It’s frightening to think how many other people may not receive the simple vaccine which could ultimately save their lives.”
