Sepsis and Continuing Failings in Medical Care
Sepsis is a major killer and survival can mean permanent disability. Contact a legal specialist if medical failings have caused you or a loved one to struggle as a consequence of this terrible illness.
Sepsis today
A new report published today by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman has identified that, despite recommendations made ten years ago, preventable deaths from sepsis still occur in the UK.
In 2013, the investigation noted a variety of factors contributing to unnecessary sepsis deaths including delays in diagnosis, delays in treatment, delayed referrals and staff training issues.
The new report focuses on patient experiences around sepsis in relation to diagnosis, treatment, in-hospital care and follow-up, and finds that there are still too many failings in the medical care of this life-threatening illness.
Sepsis diagnosis and treatment
Sepsis is a dysfunctional immune system response to infection and can cause multiple organ failure. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is essential to give the patient the best chance of a good outcome.
Symptoms of shivering, breathlessness, slurred speech, lack of urine are all indicators of this terrible illness. The presence of infection, particularly abdominal or respiratory, can be a further sign of the patient's susceptibility.
Risk assessing patients in hospital, monitoring for signs and symptoms of infection, diagnosing pressure sores and recognising the nature and urgency of the condition are all fundamental to good patient care. A willingness to make an urgent referral for a patient suspected of having sepsis is crucial.
Treatment with antibiotics within one hour of suspecting sepsis is recommended with delays in diagnosis and treatment being associated with a worse long-term outcome.
Making a claim for compensation
If a patient dies due to sepsis, their family will suffer the consequences. When the patient survives, they may still struggle with long-term health problems due to their sepsis experience. They may require personal care and struggle to work or to carry out chores and activities which had previously been a regular part of their life.
If negligent medical care has contributed to a patient suffering a poor outcome from sepsis, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation.
Speak to a legal specialist as soon as possible to ensure that your claim is issued before the deadline set for such claims.
Legal specialists
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with a team of experienced solicitors. Contact is today to speak with a member of the team, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim for compensation.
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