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A Suffolk hospital trust has paid out more than £580,000 to settle gynaecology medical negligence claims over the last five years. East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT), which runs Ipswich and Colchester Hospitals, has received 23 claims related to gynaecology-related negligence since 2019, according to data from Medical Negligence Assist, which provides legal support to victims of medical errors. Of these 23 claims, 17 have been settled, with damages amounting to £582,684, not including the costs of claimant and NHS legal fees.
READ MORE: Ipswich Hospital accused of performing hysterectomy A damning new report by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) has revealed that across the UK, more than 760,000 women were on the waiting list for appointments due to a gynaecology care "crisis". Gynaecology is the study of the female reproductive system and the functions, medical disorders and diseases that can affect it. The RCOG report highlighted stretched services, struggling staff and dwindling resources which had led to a decline in standards of care.
The ESNEFT claims were reported to NHS Resolution, the legal arm of the NHS. READ MORE: Ipswich Hospital vows to tackle Suffolk blood test delays READ MORE: Ipswich Hospital delays staff car parking price hike In response to the figures, Dr Tim Leary, interim chief medical officer at ESNEFT, said: "Providing safe and compassionate patient care is our top priority. "When a patient or family express a concern with the care they have received, we take these concerns very seriously.
"We then carry out appropriate and timely investigations. We also take forward any lessons learned so we can improve our services for the future. “Where there have been failings and a negligence claim is lodged, we work closely with patients, their legal teams and our colleagues at NHS Resolution.
"We aim to settle their claim as quickly as we can. “We are committed to providing our patients with the best care in our hospitals.”.
