New South Wales

Cosmetic treatment is a thriving billion-dollar industry. Hundreds of thousands of Australians undergo cosmetic medical and non-medical procedures each year. Whilst demand is high, patient confidence in the “murky” cosmetic industry is at its lowest point it has ever been, as thousands of men and women around our country go under the knife of cosmetic surgeons and plastic surgeons in order to improve their looks and appearance, concerns about standards and the lack of regulation in the cosmetic industry mount. Many patients begin to question the safety and skill level of their plastic surgeons, cosmetic surgeons as well as cosmetic clinics due to poor surgical outcomes and the need for further corrective or revision surgery.

Dental practitioners, orthodontists and dental and oral surgeons owe the same duty of care to their patients as any other medical professionals and treatment providers. They are required to exercise reasonable skill and care in provision of dental treatment to their patients, by taking all available and necessary steps to avoid and minimise the risk of injury during dental treatment.

Anaesthesia is an inherently risky part of any surgery. Anaesthetists are responsible for administrating and monitoring anaesthesia and the patient’s vital signs during a surgical procedure. They are also consulted prior to surgery to ensure that the patient is fit enough to undergo surgery based in light of their medical history and condition.

Ensuring informed consent is properly obtained is a professional, legal and ethical obligation of every medical professional. It is up to the patient, and no one else, to decide as to whether to undergo a particular surgical procedure or be subject to a particular medical treatment.

Medication and prescription errors are mistakes which occur in prescribing, dispensing and giving of medications. Although most medication and prescription errors can be prevented, they injure hundreds of thousands of people in Australia each year.

Falls among inpatients are the most frequently reported safety incidents in Australian Hospitals today. Majority of hospital falls result in some physical injury and fractures. No fall is harmless, it always leads to psychological sequelae leading to lost confidence, delays in functional recovery and prolonged hospitalisation, especially in the elderly population. Although prevention of falls can be complex, a number measures can often be implemented in order to minimise the risk of falls occurring.

A pressure sore, also known as a bedsore, pressure ulcer, or decubitus ulcer, is an area of injured skin because of pressure onto that area. A pressure injury happens when force is applied onto the surface of the skin. This force can be a constant pressure on an area of skin or a dragging or shearing force between the skin and another surface. Pressure injuries usually occur over bony parts of the body such as hips, heels, tailbone, elbows, head and ankles. Moisture in these areas increases the risk of pressure sore development. Pressure sores can become life-threatening if they develop into a deep wound or become infected.

Losing a loved one because of negligent medical treatment or medical negligence can be a very traumatic experience for everyone involved, particularly for family members who are financially dependent on that person and have relied on them for support, care and domestic and childcare assistance.