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Paralysed Hospital Patient Develops Grade 4 Pressure Sore

While staying in hospital, Helena was not moved by nursing staff for three days, despite being paralysed from the waist down. Consequently she developed horrific pressure sores across her sacrum.

Helena was born with spina bifida, as a result of which she is wheelchair-bound with no sensation from the waist down.

Due to her condition, she needed to have an operation that would enable her to pass urine into a catheter. She had undergone the same procedure 12 years previously, but a revision operation was required.

Helena's husband drove her to the hospital on the morning of 10th October 2011. The procedure was carried out the same day without problem and she was returned to the ward to recover.

On the ward Helena was placed on a normal mattress, even though she was at risk of developing pressure sores due to being paralysed. Furthermore, she was not turned by nursing staff for two days, meaning she remained lying in the same position for 48 hours.

During this time, Helena developed a grade 4 pressure sore on her sacrum which measured 10cm by 5.8cm and was 1cm deep. She also suffered a sore on her back which measured 1.3cm by 1cm.

Being unable to feel anything from the waist down, Helena could not feel the pain that would ordinarily be associated with such a severe sore. It was only noticed when nursing staff finally turned her over, two days after the operation.

In actual fact nursing staff should have turned Helena every two hours. She should also have been placed on a pressure relieving mattress and her pressure areas inspected regularly. This would have ensured that the sore was diagnosed in the early stages, before it progressed to a grade 4 pressure sore.

As a result of the hospital's negligence, Helena had to be placed under the care of a district nurse who would visit to change the dressings every two days. The nurse described the wounds as horrendous and Helena was unable to lie on her back for a long time.

She has been unable to do the things she would ordinarily do, such as driving, cooking and doing voluntary work at the local hospital.

We helped Helena pursue a claim for the nursing negligence she experienced while in hospital. She was awarded in excess of £40,000 compensation.

(Details which might identify our client have been changed)

"I feel very lucky to have John representing me. I have found him to be extremely approachable, helpful and very knowledgeable, making me feel relaxed and important whilst remaining very professional."

Mrs. S.

"It is to you, (Alicia), that we must give the most heartfelt thanks. You have been everything that we could wish for in a solicitor. Empathetic, supportive and with the staying power of a marathon runner, involved with us personally, yet thoroughly professional and surefooted."

Mr. & Mrs. B.

"Many thanks to you, (Lucy). I have 100% faith in you. Throughout this you have been helpful, down to earth and supportive and have felt like a friend during the entire process. I would unreservedly recommend you, or use your services again, if the need should arise in the future."

Ms J.

"Alicia has been wonderful throughout the whole process. Her kindness and professionalism has helped me obtain a favourable outcome and her personal support has been invaluable from start to finish.

I have been updated at every stage and Alicia has always been available to answer my calls or emails.

I am so pleased I decided to use Glynns Solicitors as opposed to one of the larger advertised injury claims lawyers as I am more than confident I would not have received such a personal service by a caring and understanding solicitor.

My sincere thanks to Chris Bird for allocating my case to Alicia, I couldn't have had a better service."

Miss H.

"Let me thank you and Glynns for taking up my case and getting me this compensation. Please could you pass on my thanks to everyone concerned. We are extremely grateful."

Mr. A.

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