Medical negligence compensation for substandard nursing care

Following an emergency operation, which was successful, this client was subjected to such substandard nursing care at this hospital, that she developed pressure sores, despite repeatedly advising the nursing staff that she was suffering discomfort and numbness.

Protective court proceedings issued

Our specialist medical negligence lawyer was forced to issue proceedings to protect our client’s right to medical negligence compensation, when the defendant, the NHS Trust, continued to deny liability on the part of their medical staff. However, shortly before the trial date, on the advice of counsel, we made an offer to the defendant, which they accepted. Our client received over £10,000 in medical negligence compensation.

Failure to monitor and provide care for high risk patient

Although the operation was technically routine, and our client made a good recovery, she was known to have pre-existing conditions which meant she might have a higher than expected risk of developing pressure sores.

Not only was she was diabetic and her condition poorly monitored, but she received no food during her stay of almost two weeks, and there had been a delay in providing her with drip feeds. This combined neglect had left her malnourished, weak and unable to physically mobilise herself, adding a further risk of developing pressure sores which should have been monitored by the nurses.

Complaints by patient to nursing staff

A few days after surgery, our client had complained to nursing staff of numbness, but the examining nurse had found nothing that required further treatment. However, several days later, after further complaints by our client, a more detailed investigation by a tissue viability nurse, was carried out. A stage 2 pressure ulcer was found and immediate treatment was begun. Given the stage of the pressure sore, it was clear that it must have been present during previous examinations.

Consequences of substandard nursing care

It took several months for our client’s injuries to heal, during which time she suffered considerable pain, discomfort and inconvenience, as it affected any activity that required her to sit for any period.

Even after the injury healed, our client still suffers discomfort and is left with scarring. She has been advised that as a result of the hospital’s negligent treatment, her tenderness will be permanent as there is no treatment for her condition.

Making a medical negligence compensation claim

Telephone us now on 0800 783 9019 or complete one of our online compensation claim forms, and a representative will contact you as soon as possible.

Please go to our Costs and Risks section for information on how Clear Answers’ specialist medical negligence team will handle your claim and funding.

Alternative funding arrangements may apply in Northern Ireland due to differing procedures and Law Society regulations.

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