Hospital pays compensation for series of failures which led to patient death
A hospital has paid £8,500 to a family for a series of failures which led to the death of a patient.
The patient, who was being treated for blood cancer, was admitted to hospital in July 2021 with severe lower back pain.
During his hospital stay, staff identified blisters on the patient’s leg, but did not sufficiently refer him to the tissue viability nurse. The patient then had an unwitnessed fall and hit his head on the corner of a chair. A CT scan was requested which showed an extradural haematoma. The bleeding expanded and the patient suffered a further bleed before sadly dying in hospital in August 2021.
The failures in care
Unfortunately, there were many failures in the care provided to the patient. When the first blister was identified on 2nd August 2021, a staff member claimed to have made a referral to the tissue viability nurse, but there is no evidence of this. More blisters then appeared which subsequently burst; however, they were not dressed. At the inquest, the senior sister admitted that another referral should have been made to the tissue viability nurse.
Then, the patient was not adequately identified as a falls risk; a patient handling form was not completed to assess the measures that should be put in place to keep him safe. At the inquest, the senior sister said that there should have been “continuous monitoring” of the patient to ensure he did not fall.
On 4th August 2021, another blister burst and the patient was referred again to the tissue viability nurse, but the urgency of the referral was not indicated. He fell that afternoon, but no concerns were immediately identified – his CT scan was given a “normal” priority. The next morning, staff noted that he seemed confused. At the inquest, the senior sister advised that, after this, the patient should have been observed every 30 minutes.
That afternoon, the patient had a CT scan, but the results (showing a small extradural haemotoma) were not reported in a timely manner. The neurosurgical team then did not review the patient’s needs and formulate plans to avoid further deterioration.
Hospital accepts responsibility
The patient’s daughter instructed Attwaters Solicitors to act on behalf of her late father’s estate. We worked with her to build a medical negligence case and found that, if it wasn’t for the fall, the patient would not have suffered the brain bleeds and subsequently passed away. The hospital admitted to these failings and, after negotiations, settled for £8,500.
We can support you
It’s distressing to realise that you or a loved one may have received substandard healthcare. Our Medical Negligence team has a proven track record of successfully achieving compensation for our clients. We will listen to you and manage all aspects of the claim. For an initial conversation, get in touch on 0330 221 8855 or email enquiries@attwaters.co.uk
