£35k compensation for man after hospital failed to appropriately treat pressure sore
A 59 year old man went to the Defendant hospital with a leaking pressure sore. The sore had been present for three years but had only started leaking in the last four days.
The surgical team noted that the sore was wet and gangrenous at the centre. They also observed that his genitalia were swollen and there was cellulitis around the sore. He was diagnosed with suffering from sepsis secondary to the pressure sore.
Five days later, he underwent a debridement of the sore under local anaesthetic and a hydrogen wash. There was no surgical exploration of the thigh, genitalia or suprapubic area.
His genatalia remained swollen and there was swelling in his groin. Consequently, a diagnosis of spreading cellulites was made and antibiotics were prescribed.
A further review resulted in a wide debridement being carried out. An examination the next day appeared to show that the cellulitis was improving and debridement was said to be unnecessary.
However two days later, a consultant colorectal surgeon decided that radical debridement was necessary as he had found gangrenous and necrotic tissue at the scrotal area. The man underwent perineal debridement for Fournier’s gangrene. Due to an unsuccessful ileostomy, the ileum was torn and as a consequence a double barrelled ileostomy was performed.
The man was then transferred to a different hospital for skin grafting and further debridements. After two months, he was transferred again to a different hospital where he stayed for eight months.
During the whole process he had to undergo a number of extensive surgical procedures and endured a prolonged period of pain and suffering. His skin was now more susceptible to trauma. Self catherisation was impossible and he had to use a suprapubic catheter. He was also at risk of sustaining a parastomal hernia.
The man brought a claim against the Defendant trust alleging that it had been negligent by failing to perform an adequate debridement of the affected area without delay. He alleged that had appropriate treatment been given sooner then this would have limited the damage he had suffered.
The Defendant trust did not admit liability. The claim was settled out of court for £35k in compensation.
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