At O’Donnell Solicitors, we understand that few experiences are more distressing than discovering a loved one has suffered harm due to a serious medical mistake, especially when that mistake was entirely preventable. These are known as Never Events—a category of severe NHS incidents that should simply never happen.
What Is a Never Event?
Never Events are serious patient safety incidents that occur in healthcare settings despite being wholly preventable under NHS safety protocols. These incidents signal serious failures in systems or processes. Examples include:
- Wrong-site surgery (e.g. operating on the wrong body part)
- Retained foreign objects (e.g. surgical tools or swabs left inside the patient)
- Wrong implant/prosthesis
- Misplaced feeding tubes
- Serious medication errors
- Falls from poorly restricted windows
All of these are clearly defined and monitored by NHS England.
The Latest NHS Data
According to the most recent NHS statistics of Never Events (April 2024 to March 2025):
- 421 Never Events were recorded
- Wrong-site surgery remains the most frequent incident, with 185 cases
- Retained foreign objects were the second most common, with 106 cases
While rare in the context of all procedures, each Never Event represents a profound breach of trust and safety.
Medical Negligence and Your Right to Claim
If you or a family member has been harmed by a Never Event, you may be entitled to medical negligence compensation.
At O’Donnell Solicitors, our team:
- Works with medical experts to assess negligence
- Calculates appropriate compensation for pain, suffering, lost income, and additional care
- Represents clients in clinical negligence claims against NHS Trusts
We also guide clients through NHS complaint procedures and work to ensure lessons are learned to prevent recurrence.
Why Choose O’Donnell Solicitors?
With offices in Oldham and Saddleworth, O’Donnell Solicitors are trusted legal advisors in medical negligence, offering:
- Nationwide representation
- In-depth understanding of Never Events and patient safety failures
- Experience in complex NHS claims
- Clear, compassionate support during difficult times
- No Win, No Fee funding options
Contact Us Today
If you believe you have been affected by a Never Event, get in touch for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our specialist solicitors will help you understand your rights and legal options.
Call: 01457 761 320
Email: kenneth.lees@odonnellsolicitors.co.uk
Visit: www.odonnellsolicitors.co.uk
Enquire: Complete our Enquiry Form