£18k compensation - denial of basic hospital treatment left patient with serious pressure sores
A patient at Amersham Hospital was left with serious pressure sores after a routine hip operation. The 46 year old developed pressure sores to both of his hips after the surgery in May 2007.
Today, the man still cannot sit for long periods of time. This in itself has had a huge impact on him as he suffers from the neuromuscular disease myasthenia gravis which means he has to sit often.
The patient had suffered from hip problems for a number of years and decided to have hip replacement surgery. After the operation he was bed-ridden and the hospital failed to carry out a risk assessment which would have highlighted that that due to his height and weight he should have been turned every hour to minimise the risk of pressure sores developing.
Instead he was rarely turned and his wife ended up turning him when she visited. He developed grade two pressure sores which became infected and delayed his recovery by months.
In considering the effect of the injuries, the patient said “My myasthenia gravis means I will never work again and as my condition worsens I will be forced to sit for longer and longer periods of time. These pressure sores are going to make my life even more unbearable.” The medical negligence claim was settled in the sum of £18k after Buckinghamshire Hospitals Trust admitted liability.
This case is illustrative of a denial of the basic treatment which is set out in well known protocols within a hospital. If you or anyone you know has suffered from pressure sores after a medical procedure, or have suffered any other injury as a result of medical negligence, then you can contact one of our medical negligence solicitors, who will be happy to answer any questions you have.
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.
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