An NHS Hospital Trust has paid out £26,500 in compensation after failing to provide adequate care to a patient.
The patient, who has sadly passed away since, was admitted to Aintree University Hospital in Liverpool, in December 2019 after he suffered from aspirational pneumonia – a lung condition which is commonly treated with antibiotics. But while he was there his condition worsened, and he was diagnosed with sepsis, amongst other issues.
Following investigations by Oakwood Solicitors, it was found that while there was some monitoring of his condition and some precautions were implemented by the hospital, negligent actions meant that he was at high risk of deterioration.
The patient developed deep pressure ulcers and sores graded at level three while he was in hospital and according to records, there was seemingly no rationale over certain decisions and no specific documentation of wounds.
After spending two months in the hospital, he was diagnosed with osteomyelitis – an infection in the bone caused by bacteria or fungi. According to records, the patient did not suffer from pain, but there was likely significant pain considering the pressure ulcers and slow health decline.
The patient passed away on April 2020, after spending four months in the hospital. His cause of death was recorded as being Osteomyelitis, PD and Lewy Body Dementia. However, if the claimant had been on an appropriate care plan, his multiple areas of pressure damage would not have developed, and the subsequent pain and suffering would have been avoided.
No admissions of liability were made, however – a settlement was reached at the value of £26,500.
Carol Cook, Head of Clinical Negligence at Oakwood Solicitors dealt with the case. She said:
“This was a very sad case of neglect resulting in devastating consequences for the Claimant and his family. I am happy that the team were able to secure some redress for the family and I hope that lessons have been learnt on behalf of the NHS to prevent this from happening again.”
Further reading
Hospital negligence – Oakwood Solicitors
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Carol Cook joined Oakwood Solicitors in May 2017 to lead the Medical Negligence Department.
Carol handles a wide range of clinical, cosmetic and dental negligence claims and has years of experi…
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