Case studies

Discolation of cannuala during cataract operation image
Dislocation of cannula during cataract operation

19 June 2019

An ophthalmologist turned to the MDU for help after a patient claimed they had been negligent when securing a cannula during a cataract operation.

Content issues around fitting of IUS image
Consent issues around fitting of IUS

19 June 2019

The MDU successfully supported a doctor through a claim resulting from a dispute over whether consent had been obtained during the fitting of an IUS.

Management of a sports injury image
Management of a sports injury

19 June 2019

A patient made a claim against an MDU orthopaedic surgeon after they suffered complications following operations to treat their acromioclavicular joint dislocation.

Missed hip fracture image
Missed hip fracture

19 June 2019

A patient alleged that an MDU GP's examination was inadequate and they failed to refer for an X-ray, leading to a hip fracture being missed and a subsequent total hip replacement.

Parental responsibilty and consent dilemma image
Parental responsibility and consent dilemma

19 June 2019

The MDU was able to advise a GP about a parental responsibility issue involving the stepfather of a young epileptic patient.

Fixated threat assessment centre image
Fixated threat assessment centre

19 June 2019

A confidentiality question arose after an MDU member was asked to disclose information about a patient who potentially posed a threat to a public figure.

Assistance dogs in the practice image
Assistance dogs in the practice

19 June 2019

After a healthcare assistant was frightened by a patient's assistance dog, a GP at the same practice called the MDU to ask if they could refuse entry to the animal on the basis of hygiene or patient safety.

A right to review a reference image
A right to view a reference?

19 June 2019

A specialty doctor had a job offer at another hospital withdrawn, and spoke to the MDU's advice line to ask if she had a right to see the reference written about her by a colleague.

Building blocks
Successful defence of high value claim

16 July 2018

The MDU defended a GP member in a high value case concerning an alleged failure to refer to hospital for suspected endocarditis.

Hour glass
Alleged delayed diagnosis of testicular cancer

16 July 2018

A 40-year old man brought a claim against his GP for an alleged failure to refer him for suspected testicular cancer