OASI Care Failings and When to Claim Compensation
The OASI Care Bundle emphasises the importance of scrupulous care of a woman's perineum during vaginal childbirth. If negligent care leaves a woman with a severe perineal tear, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
OASI and vaginal childbirth
What is the connection between an OASI and perineal care during vaginal childbirth? An OASI is an obstetric anal sphincter injury, a term which refers to damage to the anal muscles which occurs during childbirth. Effective care of a woman's perineum, the region between the vagina and the anus, is vital if the new mother is to avoid a tear which reaches beyond the perineum and causes damage to these important muscles. Most women giving birth vaginally suffer a perineal tear of some degree but only around 5% experience the severity of an OASI.
What is appropriate perineal care in childbirth?
Appropriate perineal care is identified in the Care Bundle which recommends informing a woman of the risks of severe tears and the possible steps which she can take to reduce that risk. It also emphasises the need for manual protection of the perineum during the birth; for an episiotomy if an instrumental delivery is required, and, crucially, for a thorough examination of all women who have undergone a vaginal delivery.
Negligent care and the consequences
Negligent maternity care of a woman's perineum would include the following:
- A failure to carry out a thorough examination
- A failure to carry out an episiotomy if an instrumental delivery is required
- A failure to diagnose any damage to the anal sphincter
- A misdiagnosis of damage to the anal sphincter
- A failure to repair an anal sphincter injury adequately
When to make a claim
If a woman suffers substandard or negligent maternity care and develops permanent bowel symptoms such as incontinence of wind and faeces, she may be entitled to make a claim for compensation for the consequences of this negligence.
A successful compensation claim would incorporate any financial losses which have been caused by the negligent care such as a loss of income if the woman's unanticipated symptoms have left her unable to work or suffering a reduced income because her employment options are now restricted.
Speak to a legal specialist
If you are struggling with severe bowel problems which you suspect are due to substandard maternity care, contact Glynns Solicitors. We are a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with extensive expertise in perineal tear negligence compensation.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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