Report on glaucoma patient delays released following call from local law firm

A report on the ‘Lack of timely monitoring of patients with Glaucoma’ has been released by the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch (HSIB), following local law firm Moore Blatch’s request for an investigation.

Moore Blatch supported a client who lost their sight due to this issue and secured a £3.2m settlement on 28th October 2019. The mother of three, whose testimony is used in the HSIB’s report, was left almost completely blind after University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust delayed her appointment.

The HSIB’s investigation began in 2018 after Moore Blatch highlighted their support of a client who had suffered sight loss because of delays in their care. The NHS Trust conducted their own internal investigation at the time which highlighted concerns surrounding scheduling and prioritisation of ophthalmology appointments.

In November 2018, Moore Blatch publicly called for greater support for ophthalmology patients, noticing a significant number of patients with severely impaired vision who, with proper care, could have been successfully treated. The report, released by the HSIB on 9 January 2020, found that there is inadequate Hospital Eye Service capacity and has put forward seven safety recommendations to address the issue.

Vicky Hydon, Consultant and Maya Sushila, Partner for Clinical Negligence for Moore Blatch, who represented the patient, said:

“It is fundamental to our work at Moore Blatch, that when clients come to us as a result of negligence we get the best possible results for them and also address the structural problem in place that led to the situation. We are pleased that HSIB have conducted a full national investigation as a result of our referral and identified where patients are currently being failed by Hospital Eye Services.

“The HSIB report highlights the failings of the current system for patients with glaucoma and we strongly believe their recommendations should be implemented as soon as possible.

“Whilst we are pleased our client received significant compensation, the impact on her life has been devastating and lifechanging. Moore Blatch is keen that the problem is addressed imminently and all current victims can settle their claims swiftly.”