'Cancer Patient given Mouthwash Instead of Biopsy' Asons Solicitors Believe Dent al Negligence Still a Cause for Concern

According to the BBC, Professor Philip Lamey, has been accused of 46 counts of d ental negligence. It is alleged, that he failed to carry out numerous biopsy, an d instead of conducting the necessary investigations, prescribed mouthwash, iron tablets, and sugar-free chewing gum. Bolton, England, October 03, 2013 -- Following the identification of Serious defi ciencies in the quality of care at the Royal Dental Hospital in Belfast, the Depa rtment of Health has released a full report examining their oral medicine servic e (1). According to the BBC, a consultant practicing at the hospital, Professor Philip Lamey, has been accused of 46 counts of dental negligence. It is alleged, that Professor Lamey failed to carry out numerous biopsies, causi ng fifteen patients to suffer a delay to their cancer diagnosis. Consequently, f our of those fifteen patients later died from the disease (1). Instead of conducting the necessary investigations, it is alleged, that Professo r Lamey prescribed mouthwash, iron tablets, and even sugar-free chewing gum (2). As reported by the BBC, in one case, Professor Lamey noted a Suspicious Legion had been found. During subsequent appointments, despite the growth increasing in si ze, Professor Lamey repeatedly failed to take any further action. The patient in question later had a neck dissection, which culminated in surgeons removing 43 lymph nodes, two of which tested positive for cancer (2). Commenting on the patients circumstances, expert witness Dr Stephen Layton This is a man in his early fifties who smokes 40 a day and drinks nine units of a lcohol a day. With respect, you couldn't invent a better candidate for oral canc er. The professor should have organised a biopsy. The ulcer was on the floor of the patient's mouth, which is a 'danger area' for smokers. In my view no clinician w ould be able to distinguish between a malignant or pre-malignant lesion without doing a biopsy." While 42 action points addressing the department of healths recommendations have now been implemented, the misconduct panel hearing Professor Lameys case has been adjourned until October (1). Discussing her concerns, Asons Executive, Laura Williams We often associate misdiagnosis claims with medical negligence, overlooking that instances of dental negligence can be just as serious. Where Professor Lameys pat ients are concerned, a delay in diagnosing and treating their cancer could have meant that their symptoms became too progressive to give their treatment a chanc e of being effective." Cancer misdiagnosis can be incredibly destructive. Delaying a vital treatment can take away a patients fighting chance, diminishing their hopes of recovery. We n eed to be vigilant, holding dentists to the same high standards we hold doctors and nurses. Speaking up if youve suffered from dental negligence could prevent the same situa tion from reoccurring, helping others to avoid injury in future.. In the event that you consider yourself to have been subject to cancer misdiagno sis or dental negligence, you must seek legal advice as quickly as possible. Aso

ns Solicitors deal with dental negligence claims and medical negligence claims o n a regular basis, you can contact them on: 0844 850 1062 or you can fill out th eir claim form at http://www.asons.co.uk -Sources(1) BBC News, Royal Dental Hospital: Report Points to deficiencies in Care. (22/07/2 013) bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-23406718 (2) BBC News, Dentist Philip Lamey prescribed mouthwash to patient with cancer (04 /03/2013) bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-21657395 About Asons Solicitors: Asons Solicitors is a Bolton-based law practice that specialises in personal inj ury and industrial disease claims. Founded by brothers Imran Akram and Kamran Ak ram, Asons Solicitors has developed to become a young and dynamic law firm that delivers practical solutions to clients in times of difficulty. Their continued focus on their staff has seen them awarded with the Investors in People Gold Awar d; which is reflected in the professional and personable approach they take in wo rking with clients. They strive to grow and to develop, and their supportiveness and attention to detail ensures that their clients use them time and again. Contact: Suzanne Yates Asons Solicitors 5th Floor, 120 Bark Street Bolton, BL1 2AX 0-844-850-1062 suzanne.yates@asons.co.uk http://www.asons.co.uk