Action against Medical Accidents (AvMA) is the independent charity which promotes better patient safety and justice for people who have been affected by a medical accident. A 'medical accident' is where avoidable harm has been caused as a result of treatment or failure to treat appropriately. AvMA believes that whatever the cause of a medical accident, the people affected deserve explanations, support, and where appropriate, compensation. Furthermore, we all deserve to know that the necessary steps will be taken to prevent similar accidents being repeated.
We provide free and confidential advice and support to people affected by medical accidents, via our helpline and casework service and can refer to our panel of specialist clinical negligence solicitors or other sources of support where appropriate. HELPLINE: 0845 123 2352 (Mon - Fri 10am - 5pm). Please see our Get Help and Advice section within this site for information about our helpline.
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2012 is AvMA's 30th Anniversary - Find out how you can join the celebrations and help promote patient safety and justice! |
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LATEST NEWS
08.05.12: GOVERNMENT REFUSES TO PUBLISH HEALTH BILL RISK REGISTER
The Government is refusing to publish the risk register concerning the reforms in the Health & Social Care Bill in spite of having lost an appeal to the Information Commissioner. Ministers have used a veto intended only for genuinely exceptional cases such as when national security is compromised. AvMA has long voiced concerns that the risk to patient safety was never properly assessed in drawing up the health reforms, and a draft risk register which has been leaked seems to confirm this.
25.04.12: LEGAL AID BILL SURVIVES CHALLENGE
The controversial Legal Aid Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill has survived the last serious challenge and is set to become law. It will mean that from next year in clinical negligence cases legal aid will only be available to a small number of obstetric cases involving brain damage (the one significant concession that AvMA and other campaigners secured). In no-win no-fee cases, many victims will struggle to find a solicitor to represent them or be unable to afford the costs of insurance or medical reports to get an investigation. If claimants do succeed, they may be deprived of up to 25% of their general damages to pay solicitors' success fees. AvMA have condemned the new system as illogical, unfair, and bad for the NHS as well as bad for access to justice.
