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The saying goes that a doctor's mistakes get buried, but (un)fortunately this is not always the case. Visit any old age home, or home for disabled people and you are bound to find at least one person that has landed there due to a mistake a healthcare provider made somewhere along the line.
A first-time mother that has never and never will know her son because a 'little mishap' with anaesthetics caused severe brain damage and she is now bound to a bed. A bright eyed little girl turns into a violent child after meningitis causes severe brain damage - the doctor thought she had a bout of the flu.
Doctor's mistakes can have an enormous impact on an individual and their family. However, because of the grief and changes that must be made to the household not many people think about the fact that they have recourse.
Doctors are obliged to belong to some sort of association if they want to practice medicine in South Africa, the biggest association that encompasses most medicine faculties is the Health Professions Council of South Africa.
If a doctor's mistakes are brought in front of this body the allegations will be investigated and if the doctor is found guilty of unethical or unprofessional conduct there are various penalties, from fines to being scrapped from the role, either for a set period of time or for life.
What you can do to limit doctor's mistakes
It is vitally important that you are comfortable with your healthcare provider. If for any reason you feel uncomfortable with them do go and look for a doctor that you are comfortable with - you and your loved ones' health can depend on it.
Always give as much information as possible - doctors need to know as much about your state of health as possible to make a correct diagnosis.
Trust your gut - if you believe that symptoms isn't as inconspicuous as your doctor makes it out to be, feel free to get a second opinion, it could save your life.
If you need more information about what to do about a doctor's mistakes, feel free to contact Adele van der Walt Attorneys, industry leaders in medico legal cases. We will assess your case and assist you in filing a case if need be.
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