Legal Action Against NHS Grampian Initiated by Mother of Long Covid Sufferer
The mother of an 11-year-old Aberdeenshire girl enduring long-term effects of Covid-19 has instigated a legal case against NHS Grampian.
Lawyers believe it is the inaugural case of this nature in Scotland.
Helen Goss from Westhill has filed a claim for damages on behalf of her daughter, Anna Hendy, alleging that NHS Grampian's negligence led to avoidable failings in Anna's treatment and deteriorating health. Anna, who fell ill after contracting Covid in 2020, now requires a wheelchair and is bed-bound.
The lawsuit accuses NHS Grampian of refusing necessary referrals for specialist care in immunology and neurology, and failing to offer further assistance after diagnoses of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS).
The claim maintains this could have been prevented if the health board had adhered to existing guidelines for diagnosis and treatment.
Helen Goss seeks not just damages but an apology and accountability from NHS Grampian, which she says has failed to properly diagnose and treat long Covid, devastating her family. She hopes her actions empower others to pursue treatment and possibly take legal steps.
Catherine McGarrell from Thompsons Solicitors, representing Goss, highlights the exacerbation of Anna's condition due to the health board's persistent missteps. She stresses that while Anna's long Covid may have been inevitable, the worsening of her state was not, due to improper care.
While NHS Grampian did not comment on the individual case, they noted ongoing development of a treatment path for child sufferers and a new website for families to share experiences. The health board mentioned a dedicated Long Covid Project Board, a paediatric practitioner, and a clinical lead to support children while expressing willingness to engage with affected families.
Helen Goss from Westhill has filed a claim for damages on behalf of her daughter, Anna Hendy, alleging that NHS Grampian's negligence led to avoidable failings in Anna's treatment and deteriorating health. Anna, who fell ill after contracting Covid in 2020, now requires a wheelchair and is bed-bound.
The lawsuit accuses NHS Grampian of refusing necessary referrals for specialist care in immunology and neurology, and failing to offer further assistance after diagnoses of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS).
The claim maintains this could have been prevented if the health board had adhered to existing guidelines for diagnosis and treatment.
Helen Goss seeks not just damages but an apology and accountability from NHS Grampian, which she says has failed to properly diagnose and treat long Covid, devastating her family. She hopes her actions empower others to pursue treatment and possibly take legal steps.
Catherine McGarrell from Thompsons Solicitors, representing Goss, highlights the exacerbation of Anna's condition due to the health board's persistent missteps. She stresses that while Anna's long Covid may have been inevitable, the worsening of her state was not, due to improper care.
While NHS Grampian did not comment on the individual case, they noted ongoing development of a treatment path for child sufferers and a new website for families to share experiences. The health board mentioned a dedicated Long Covid Project Board, a paediatric practitioner, and a clinical lead to support children while expressing willingness to engage with affected families.