Mrs B suffered from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) and bronchiectasis, along with other medical conditions. She had been living independently until December 2010, when she was admitted to hospital with exacerbation of her COPD.
Whilst in hospital, an area of the skin to the sacrum was noted to be red and very thin, although the skin was not broken. Over a period of around 3 weeks, the area developed into a Grade 1 pressure sore and then deteriorated from a Grade 1 to a Grade 4 pressure sore (the most serious type of pressure sore).
In February 2011, Mrs B was discharged to a nursing home. Following her discharge to the home, the sacral pressure sore gradually improved.
Negligence Claim
The family were concerned that the hospital failed to provide appropriate care to Mrs B and instructed Nelsons to pursue a medical negligence claim against the Hospital NHS Trust.
During the course of investigations, it was found that there was no evidence that the hospital had implemented an adequate care plan on Mrs B’s admission to hospital, nor that appropriate measures were taken to reduce the pressure risk.
The failure to accurately assess Mrs B’s condition on arrival and failure to implement pressure ulcer prevention measures in a timely fashion increased the risk of pressure damage. Had these measures been taken, it was considered more likely than not that the pressure sores could have been avoided and/or prevented from deteriorating to a Grade 4.
Although liability was denied, an offer was made and the case settled for a five figure sum.
The family were represented by Danielle Young, Associate in our Medical Negligence team.
How Can Nelsons Help?
If you think that you or a family member have received negligent care from a medical professional then you should seek advice from a solicitor.
Please call 0800 024 1976 or contact us via our online form for more information.