As a personal injury lawyer, I spend my days speaking to clients about the consequences of accidents and helping them navigate the claims process. In many cases they are still undergoing medical treatment and may require such treatment for an extended period into the future.

I am lucky to never have been involved in a serious accident requiring medical intervention. So whilst I can listen and sympathise with my clients, it is not from the perspective of having ever been in their shoes.

Last week I had to go to hospital for two pre-arranged medical procedures. They were not for a significant health issue but nonetheless it was an experience that did raise my anxiety levels. I was required to sign a number of Consent Forms after the specialists had outlined the potential risks to me of the procedures that they would be undertaking.

The procedures were performed, and all went to plan with no adverse outcomes, but I was a little worse for wear for a period.

Perhaps my anxiety levels were raised by the fact that some of my clients have unfortunately had significantly adverse outcomes when having apparently simple medical procedures performed.  My last recollection before being put under on the operating table was when one of the theatre nurses asked me what I did for work and I said, “I am a personal injuries lawy…” as the anaesthetist did his job. All patients irrespective of their job title or economic circumstances are entitled to the same high level of medical care and attention which our medical professionals in the majority of cases provide.