We recently reported that the subject of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) had come to light after seneral patients contracted infections during their stays in hospitals in Scotland. Common HAI's include:-
- Septicaemia (or sepsis as it is more commonly known)
- Bacteramia
- Gran-negative bacteria
- Clostrdium difficile infection
- Escherichia coli
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Klebsiella species
- Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA or MSSA)
- Surgical site infection
Alasdair Wannan Senior Paralegal, recently settled a claim for our client who contracted sepsis after being admitted to Glasgow Royal Infirmary for treatment.
Following his arrival, a cannula had to be fitted into his right arm to administer fluids. Ronald's sister noticed that after the cannula was inserted, the area around the cannula was very red and inflamed. Ronald's sister spoke to a nurse to advise of her concerns, however was told that there was nothing to worry about and someone would attend later to remove the cannula. The cannula was then not removed until the following day.
After removal of his cannula, Robert became seriously ill and his sister was later informed that he had contracted septicaemia. The nurses managing the cannula failed to follow the Scottish Patient Safety Programme (SPSP) guidelines.
How we helped our client
We accepted instructions from Ronald at very short notice. We required to raise urgent court proceedings to avoid his claim time-barring. The Health Authority denied liability.
We instructed reports from a cardiologist and nursing expert, both of whom were critical of the failure to follow the SPSP guidelines.
We thereafter applied for and obtained legal aid on Ronald's behalf.
We were then able to proceed with the court action. However, prior to progressing further with the proceedings, we were able to negotiate a settlement of £10,000 without the need to continue the court action.
Following settlement, Ronald said: "I was very pleased with the way Lindsays dealt with my claim and am grateful to them for taking on my claim at short notice and raising urgent proceedings to avoid my claim time barring. I was happy with the compensation I was awarded."