Highlighting Clinical Negligence in Hull and East Yorkshire

November is Diabetes Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the challenges faced by those living with diabetes, and to emphasise the importance of timely, accurate, and effective medical care.

In Hull and East Yorkshire, where diabetes rates exceed the national average, it is especially important to raise awareness of how delays, misdiagnosis, or poor management in diabetes care can result in serious, life-altering complications. In some cases, these failings may constitute clinical negligence.

Diabetes in Hull and East Yorkshire: A Growing Concern

According to 2023/24 NHS data, 21,228 adults (8.4%) in Hull are living with diabetes, compared to the national average of 7.7%.

22,765 people are recorded as having non-diabetic hyperglycaemia (pre-diabetes), affecting 9.2% of the population, compared to 8.2% nationally.

These figures highlight the urgent need for high-quality, consistent diabetes monitoring and management across the region.

Growing Demand and the Importance of Consistent Care

Hull and East Yorkshire are served by providers such as Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and East Riding Community Diabetes Services. As the number of people living with diabetes continues to rise locally, healthcare systems must adapt to meet growing demand.

The opening of the Allam Diabetes Centre in Hull was a welcome step, aimed at expanding access to specialist diabetes care. However, ensuring timely and consistent monitoring, from routine foot checks to HbA1c tests and patient education, remains essential.

 

Whilst not all regions publish detailed data on waiting times or screening coverage, it is clear that people living with diabetes often face challenges in navigating services and receiving early intervention. In some cases, gaps in care may lead to avoidable complications, including amputations.

Understanding Clinical Negligence in Diabetes Care

Clinical negligence occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the standard of care expected of them, and this results in avoidable harm.

In diabetes care, examples of potential negligence include:

• Delayed diagnosis – missing the early signs of Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, leading to dangerously high blood sugar levels and preventable complications such as nerve damage, kidney disease, or retinopathy.
• Inadequate monitoring – failing to carry out regular checks, such as HbA1c tests, blood pressure monitoring, foot assessments, and eye screening, can mean early warning signs are missed.
• Negligent wound Care – untreated foot ulcers or infections can rapidly deteriorate. If not addressed quickly and appropriately, they may lead to serious infections, sepsis, or amputation.
• Medication errors – prescribing incorrect insulin doses, failing to adjust treatment plans, or not monitoring side effects can put patients at significant risk.

The Human Impact

Behind every statistic is a person whose life can be profoundly affected by failures in care.

For instance, when foot ulcers are not identified and treated early, they can develop into serious infections. In some cases, this leads to emergency surgery or even amputation, these being outcomes that might have been avoided with better monitoring and faster intervention.

These situations are not just physically devastating; they often cause emotional trauma, reduce independence, and result in long-term financial and social consequences for individuals and their families.

Preventing Clinical Negligence: Shared Responsibility

Improving diabetes care is a shared responsibility between healthcare providers, system leaders, and patients themselves. Key strategies include:

• Professional Training – Healthcare professionals must stay up to date with the latest clinical guidelines, especially in high-risk areas like Hull and East Yorkshire.
• Proactive Monitoring Routine checks – including blood tests, foot assessments, and screenings, must be carried out consistently and promptly.

Patients should feel confident to ask questions, understand their care plans, and speak up when something does not feel right, as well as knowing that medical professionals are alert to the risks of diabetes. Awareness of symptoms and early reporting can make a critical difference.

Know the Warning Signs

People living with diabetes, or at risk, should be aware of symptoms that require medical attention:

• Numbness, tingling, or pain in feet or legs
• Slow-healing wounds or foot ulcers
• Blurred vision or sudden changes in eyesight
• Unexplained fatigue, frequent urination, or excessive thirst
• Episodes of dizziness, confusion, or fainting

Prompt action can prevent complications from becoming life-threatening.

Time Limits for Legal Claims

If you believe you or a loved one has suffered harm due to mismanaged or delayed diabetes care, you may be entitled to pursue a clinical negligence claim.

In most cases, claims must be made within three years of the incident or from the date you became aware that negligence may have occurred.

Free Legal Advice Available

Although this article is shining a light on diabetes in the Hull and East Yorkshire area, our experienced Clinical Negligence Team supports individuals across the country. We offer free, confidential consultations to help you understand your rights and explore your options.

We specialise in cases involving:

• Amputation linked to negligent care
• Delayed or missed diabetes diagnoses
• Mismanaged foot ulcers and wound infections
• Errors with medication or treatment plans

Contact us today to speak with a specialist and find out how we can help.

How You Can Help Raise Awareness

• Share this article to inform friends and family
• Ask your GP about your last diabetes review or foot check
• Speak up if you have concerns about your care
• Learn about your rights and seek advice when needed

The rising rates of diabetes in Hull and East Yorkshire demand more than just awareness; they require action. By holding care providers accountable, supporting patients, and ensuring services are delivered to a safe standard, we can help prevent avoidable harm and ensure better outcomes for everyone affected by diabetes.