New clinical negligence guidance launched by the AOP
Advice on what to do if a patient makes a complaint or when a patient instructs solicitors to investigate a potential clinical negligence claim and how the AOP will deal with the claim on your behalf
The Association of Optometrists (AOP) has launched new clinical negligence claims guidance to help members understand what happens when a patient makes a complaint or instructs a solicitor to bring a claim and how the AOP can deal with the claim on your behalf.
The guidance provides advice and information to practitioners in a clear, accessible format, covering:
- What is a clinical negligence claim?
- What happens at the pre-action stage of a clinical negligence claim?
- What happens when a clinical negligence claim becomes a litigated matter?
- Frequently asked questions
The AOP’s online guidance provides information on what needs to be proved in order for a clinical negligence claim to be successful. The guidance also outlines the steps that will need to be taken including the process of investigating a potential claim and when the claimant has issued proceedings at court. Common questions about letters of complaint, statement requests, and medical record requests are also answered as part of the frequently asked questions.
Efa Schmidt, Head of Clinical Negligence at the AOP said: “A clinical negligence claim is not something that anyone wants to face in their careers, but it is a sad reality for many working in practice. It’s often our default to think ‘it can’t happen to me’ but a huge variety of factors can lead to a complaint being made. The AOP is committed to supporting and defending members through this process and that starts with understanding what it looks like and the best course of action if you are ever presented with a claim.”
For more information, visit the Clinical negligence guidance pages.
Ends
For more information, please contact Serena Box, PR and Media Manager, at the Association of Optometrists, [email protected] or telephone 020 7549 2040.
Notes to Editors
Association of Optometrists
The Association of Optometrists (AOP) is the leading representative membership organisation for optometrists in the UK. We support over 82% of practising optometrists, to fulfil their professional roles to protect the nation’s eye health. For more information, visit www.aop.org.uk