Many people are unaware of the actual training an individual has to undergo prior to receiving the title "Doctor", "Surgeon", "G.P." or "Nurse". Indeed, most assume that these titles provide them with the security and assurance of years of study and training before such individuals are allowed to actually administer to the general public. With the decline in the number of people training to become health care professionals standards have been dropped in many areas of the national health service but more dramatically in the private sector. Many homes for the elderly, private clinics and public services (such as schools and prisons) are attributing the title "nurse" to individuals who have attended college for the most basic of training in dealing with ailments. The majestic title that used to conjure up images of the "all-seeing all-knowing Sister travelling the corridors" has been replaced with the lowlier impression of a teenage girl mopping the corridors before starting her next shift at MacDonalds. This perception is generally incorrect as the number of general "care-workers" in places like homes for the elderly have increased whilst the number of actual trained nurses has decreased. Due to the common similarities between the uniforms worn by each it is very easy to assume that these care-workers are in fact nurses and that your loved one is being cared for by a trained professional when they may not. You have every right to ask even very difficult questions of the people who are looking after you or after someone that you care about. These days it is common practice for you to be asked if it is okay if a trainee performs a procedure or sits in on a consultation but don't feel uncomfortable asking if you are unsure.

All employees of a clinic, hospital or dental practice whether private or funded by the NHS are responsible for their actions and the medical negligence procedures in place in the UK make no exceptions on this rule. Unfortunately, the money used to compensate for the mistakes made by these individuals is provided from our own tax contributions which means that we as a country are liable for their mistakes. This is one thing that claimants should be aware of as the money given to the NHS is normally capped which means that if the money is going to compensate a victim of negligence then it is not going toward helping another patient. No-one should ever suggest that you are not due monetary re-imbursement for your suffering but the amounts being claimed for should be sensible and proportionate to the suffering caused. Compensation is sought to aid the patient who has been injured, not to punish the hospital responsible.

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