Infectious Diseases
Unfortunately, NHS patients are at a higher than normal risk of
picking up an infection on the wards. Negligence generally
surrounds the failure to treat the infection once it is already
established.
Medical negligence may include...
- Failures and delays in removing catheters and cannulae.
- Failures and delays in diagnosing infections
- Microbiological testing errors
- Timing and appropriateness of antibiotic prescriptions for
infections such as MRSA and C-difficile
- Substandard surgical treatment involving infected replacement
joints
Infections can be dangerous in weakened patients, particularly
if they can't be treated quickly with antibiotic treatments. MRSA
infections can be resistant to treatment, making them more
dangerous than other kinds of infection. Optimal treatment is
therefore very important to ensure the best possible outcome for
the patient.
MRSA
MRSA stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, but
is shorthand for any strain of Staphylococcus bacteria which is
resistant to antibiotic treatment. Staphylococcus aureus bacteria
are often found on the skin and in the nose of healthy people. In
healthy people who are carriers, Staphylococcus aureus is usually
harmless. An MRSA infection means the bacteria have got into the
body through a break in the skin and multiplied, causing symptoms,
such as boils, an abscess or impetigo. If they get into the
bloodstream they can cause more serious infections, such as blood
poisoning.
C.diff
C. diff stands for Clostridium difficile and is a bacterium that
is present naturally in a small percentage of adults and two thirds
of children. As C. diff infections are usually caused by
antibiotics, most cases usually happen in a healthcare environment,
such as a hospital or care home. Older people are most at risk from
infection, with the majority of cases (80%) occurring in people
over 65. Most people with a C. diff infection make a full recovery.
However, in rare cases, the infection can be fatal.
Our team of specialists have extensive experience in
dealing with infection claims.
We will...
- Ensure that you are represented by someone who fully
understands the nature of your injury
- Engage specialist medical advisors to support your claim
- Secure funding to maximise and advance the support needed
- Ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your
injuries
For further information on how MyInjuryLawyer can help with an
infectious disease claim, please call us free on 0800
043 4299.