Suing the NHS for Sepsis after Surgery
Patients undergoing surgical procedures in hospital are susceptible to contracting infection. A failure by medical professionals to prevent the development of sepsis in these circumstances may justify a claim for compensation.
The effects of sepsis
The impact of sepsis, especially in a patient who is already weakened by illness or surgery, can be utterly catastrophic.
As the body responds disproportionally to infection, the major organs come under threat and the body begins to shut down. A delay in diagnosis or treatment can put the patient's life in danger. Patients who survive this shocking illness can, nonetheless, be left with permanent physical and psychological damage. They may require an amputation, suffer blindness or permanent organ damage.
Over 40,000 people are thought to die from sepsis in the UK every year. Of those, over 10,000 deaths could be prevented by greater awareness and better medical care.
Medical negligence
Medical professionals might be considered to have contributed to the patient's experience of sepsis in the following ways:
- failing to administer prophylactic antibiotics prior to an operation where it would generally be considered as necessary
- failing to monitor patients post-operatively for signs of infection
- failing to recognise the symptoms of sepsis and initiate treatment as a matter of emergency
- Mismanaging surgery and causing a bowel perforation leading to sepsis
Symptoms of sepsis
Signs which should alert medical professionals to the possibility that the patient might be developing sepsis include the following:
- Shivering
- Slurred speech
- Breathlessness
- A high temperature
- A fast heartbeat
If a patient is suspected of developing sepsis, an emergency medical response is required. It is recommended that intravenous antibiotics be administered within one hour of diagnosis with prompt fluid support. A delay in initiating treatment is likely to cause a deterioration in the quality of the patient's outcome.
Suing the NHS
Glynns have supported numerous clients who have suffered long-term disability and financial losses as a result of substandard medical care relating to sepsis, you may be able to sue the NHS. Contact us today if you or a loved one are suffering the permanent effects of sepsis negligence.
One of our specialist medical negligence solicitors will be very happy to advise you as to the suitability of making a claim against the NHS for substandard medical care.
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