Going for a surgical procedure is in itself a stressful experience, but should you be confronted with information about stories of medical mistakes beforehand you could get cold feet very quickly. Also medical mistakes do not happen that often, when it does it gets blasted onto front pages of newspapers because it is so sensational.

We’ve all heard about the patient whose wrong limb was amputated and more, but it doesn’t mean that you have to cancel your operation just yet.

When you are consulting with a health care provider it is important to make sure that they are registered with the relevant bodies, including the Health Professions Council of South Africa. If anything goes wrong, you have recourse.

Doctors who are members of the Health Professions Council are regulated by a strict code of ethics and failure to comply with these codes can mean that they can be scrapped from the role – meaning they will not be allowed to practice medicine anymore.

If you belong to a medical aid chances are good that they will request that you only visit health care providers that are registered – otherwise they will not pay.

What you can do to minimise the probability of medical mistakes

First of all, it is very important that you are comfortable and happy with your health care provider. Many people believe that doctors are always right. Unfortunately this is not the case. Many times doctors are not asking the right questions and diagnoses something as serious when it isn’t and vice versa. If you are not happy with the diagnoses be sure to get a second opinion and if the need for surgery arises remember to ask your health care provider if they have experience in this type of procedure.

What to do if you’ve been affected by medical mistakes

Adele van der Walt Attorneys in Waterkloof, Pretoria are industry leaders when it comes to medico legal cases. If you believe you have received sub-standard service, we will assess your case and determine whether you have a case against the health care provider.

Contact us today for expert advice and service.

For more information on this subject, please give us a call at 012 460 3668 (SA)
or e-mail us at linda@avdw.co.za