Failure to adequately assess overdose patient
The mother of an 18 year old boy who died as a result of inadequate assessment by hospital staff following his overdose has been awarded over £100k in compensation for her loss.
The young man had been admitted to hospital after taking an overdose of 20 paracetamol tablets and three ibuprofen tablets. He had complained of abdominal pain and depression and was assessed using a deliberate self harm integrated care pathway.
This showed that he was at level 18 on the Pierce Suicide scale, posing significant risk of self-harming. His observation, consciousness, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure and pulse were all noted to be within normal ranges. Brief clinical assessment and blood tests also carried out.
He was sent to the medical admissions unit where he was briefly assessed by a senior house officer. Abnormal liver function was noted. Paracetamol levels were also noted as being such that if he had a predisposing factor he should be treated. He confirmed he had begun drinking heavily but had not consumed alcohol with the overdose. Following discussion with the medical registrar he was designated as low risk and a decision was made not to prescribe Parvolex – a drug which could have helped his liver to function after the overdose.
Following a review by psychiatric senior house officer he was discharged despite having ongoing abdominal pain.
Two days later, his mother was concerned that her son sounded unwell and took him to hospital. Upon arrival he was hallucinating and was unable to stand. He was noted to be suffering from severe metabolic acidosis. Later he began suffering from hypoglycaemia and acute liver and renal failure. He was transferred to another hospital for an immediate liver transplant.
Sadly he died the following day before the transplant could take place.
The young man's mother brought an action on behalf of the estate alleging negligence in failing to administer Parvolex. The medical evidence shoes that if it had been prescribed within 24 hours, he would have survived. She also made a claim for the psychiatric injuries that she suffered from witnessing her son’s distress and rapid deterioration in his condition.
The matter was settled for the total sum of £101,497.
Medical negligence lawyer Julie Marsh from Reading based law firm Boyes Turner said: "If medical evidence can show that but for the negligence of the hospital, an individual would have lived, it may be possible to bring a claim for medical negligence. If you need any advice on any medical negligence experience that you may have had, please call one of our medical negligence lawyers to discuss your query in confidence."
Consistent with our policy when giving comment and advice on a non-specific basis, we cannot assume legal responsibility for the accuracy of any particular statement. In the case of specific problems we recommend that professional advice be sought.
SEE ALSO
Our people
Our cases
Making a claim
