Rachel Kirby

1 month ago | geldards.com | Rachel Kirby

Glaucoma occurs when the optic nerve that connects the eye to the brain becomes damaged. It is usually caused by a build up of fluid in the front of the eye which increases pressure inside the eye. It can lead to vision loss if it is not treated early or correctly. Christine, 83, was referred for glaucoma treatment in 2015 but years of delays in glaucoma surgery and a series of mistakes in treatment saw her glaucoma get worse and her eyesight severely deteriorate.

1 month ago | geldards.com | Rachel Kirby

One in 20 pregnancies are affected by gestational diabetes and, if not treated correctly, it can have devastating consequences before, during and after birth. This is high blood sugar that develops during pregnancy. It happens when your body cannot produce enough insulin, which helps to control blood sugar levels. It can happen at any stage, but it is more common in the second or third trimester. It is important the condition is detected and managed early to reduce risks to the mother and baby.

2 months ago | geldards.com | Rachel Kirby

It is a group of lifelong conditions that affect movement and coordination. It is caused by a problem with how the brain develops during pregnancy or by damage to the brain before, during or just after birth, such as a birth trauma, a lack of oxygen, an infection or a severe head injury. Symptoms can include developmental delays, stiff or floppy muscles, weak arms or legs, jerky or uncontrolled movements and problems swallowing or speaking. It can also lead to learning disabilities.

Jan 14, 2025 | geldards.com | Rachel Kirby

Unfortunately, GPs, paramedics and doctors can easily miss the signs of sepsis (also known as septicaemia or blood poisoning) and, if a patient isn’t diagnosed quickly, their body’s immune system goes into overdrive and attacks vital tissues and organs. It can cause shock, organ failure and death. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that happens when your immune system overreacts to an infection and starts to damage your body’s own tissues and organs. Sepsis needs urgent hospital treatment.

Nov 13, 2024 | geldards.com | Rachel Kirby

Rachel Kirby, Senior Associate in Geldards’ medical negligence team, takes a look at what progress has been made to date and what we are hearing from the inquiry team and Donna Ockenden herself. In 2022, Donna Ockenden, a respected senior midwife, was asked to chair an independent maternity services review looking into alleged failings at Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) NHS Trust.