REGISTERING

We do not like to burden you with another dreaded form to fill in but we need to know some details so we don't have to ask you the same questions repeatedly. It also enables us to assist you efficiently.

The burden of photocopying medical records and documents will be a chore as well, and a stumbling block, but it will be required to be done sooner or later if you want help. Only send copies, not originals. If you provide us with any medical records they will be returned. The Registration Form is a useful reference document for yourself as you will nearly always be asked the same questions. The key to being able to cope with a problem such as this is being organised with it.

Here's what to do

  • Gather up all your medical records and documentation.
  • Fill in the Registration Form. Registration Form
  • Sign the Consent form which permits MEAG to assist you. (Part of Registration Form)
  • Patients affected by the conduct of Dr Graeme Reeves, sign the NSW Police Consent form which permits MEAG to discuss your personal details and information with them.

Your consent

If you want us to help you with your matter, your consent is required in writing, otherwise we shall just provide you with information and you can contact us for advice any time where no consent is necessary. If you want us to contact anyone on your behalf, such as the hospital, we will require your written consent beforehand.

Consent covers things like

  • Facilitating media coverage
  • Linking you to our national families' support network, MedErrorConnect, if required.
  • Facilitating the release of medical records to you or viewing of medical records by you.
  • Conferring with the Coroner's Office.
  • Conferring with the solicitor consulted for legal advice about your case.
  • The consent also grants the solicitor allocated to you to confer with MEAG and to provide MEAG with a copy of any written advice to you.

If you wish to be part of the families' national support network, MedErrorConnect, and have contact with other people in the same predicament, and not have the Group assist you with anything else, you will still need to fill in all the forms so we know who to connect you with. It is a security measure for people already in the network. Note bereaved families and surviving patients have separate support networks. We need to emphasise that not everyone wants to talk to other families and we cannot, and do not, force it.

What happens then?

After we receive your completed Registration Form we will assess your needs. It will take a couple of weeks. This will include guidance on the various options available to you.

How quickly you need to do things if you are thinking of taking the litigation path

The time limit for legal action from either death or injury due to medical negligence varies from State to State. Generally it is 3 years. The ACT, VIC and WA used to be 6 years, they are now 3 years in line with other states. Check this thoroughly with a lawyer as dates of harm apply to the legislation.

There have been big changes in the "limitations period" for children too. You will need to seek legal advice on the limitations periods applicable to you because the date of harm is crucial to how long you have to get things rolling so you don't miss out.

Ideally you should explore your options as soon as possible so the evidence trail doesn't go stale and records start disappearing.

Confidentiality principles maintained

We value the trust you place in us and accordingly your enquiry and the details of your matter are treated with respect and kept confidential. Medical Error Action Group is run by people on a dedicated unpaid voluntary basis who have lost a loved one due to medical error and understand your plight. Our pooled expertise and experiences are unique.

Not every day can we talk to you due to the demand for our help. Always leave a time you are available for us to ring you back. Yes, we do ring early evenings and weekends when required.

Until such time as governments face up to this deadly epidemic and, [1] demand accountability from hospitals by having medical professionals personally monitor their own performances after every procedure to prevent and dramatically reduce unnecessary death and harm to patients, [2] elevate medical treatment levels to a safe standard to benefit us all for currently there are no medical standards, [3] dispense with medical boards because they are a dismal failure - doctors sit in judgment of doctors - the patient casualty toll confirms it, and [4] change laws to protect and value the lives of patients by having police and public prosecutions depts view medical malpractice as criminal neglect, our aim is to share what we have experienced and to help and support each other.


Lorraine Long
Founder