If you or a loved one developed necrotising fasciitis in hospital due to negligent practices, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Surprising as it may seem, it is quite possible for a patient in hospital for a completely unconnected reason to develop life-threatening necrotising fasciitis.
Surgical procedures
Necrotising fasciitis is generally associated with bacteria accessing the deep soft tissue of the body through an incision in the ski. This may be due to an accident in the home or the garden, for example, but it means that patients undergoing surgical procedures in hospital are susceptible.
It is, furthermore, likely that patients in hospital for a pre-existing condition are already vulnerable due to a weakened immune system and are therefore more likely to develop an infection.
Patients in hospital are also more likely than the average person to have to remain immobile for an extended period of time, during which it is possible to develop a pressure sore or abscess, which can act as a portal for the responsible bacteria to enter the body.
Responding to symptoms
Hospital staff, therefore, should be aware of the risks of infection associated with surgical patients. Any signs of infection and significant ill-health beyond that expected of their pre-existing condition should be taken extremely seriously.
Patient show also fall into ‘at-risk’ groups should merit particular attention. These include the following groups:
- The elderly
- Patients with diabetes
- Patients with liver, heart or kidney conditions
- Patients who are obese
- Patients known to have compromised immune systems
Medical negligence
For a patient to develop an infection in hospital is not uncommon and nor is it necessarily a sign of medical negligence.
However, where a patient is believed to have developed this deadly illness due to a failure of care, it may be regarded as medically negligent.
Also, where at-risk patients are not closely monitored or signs of necrotising fasciitis are not diagnosed in a timely manner, the relevant medical professional may be considered to have provided a substandard level of care.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one have suffered the horrific impact of necrotising fasciitis due to poor medical care whilst in hospital, you may wish to make a claim for compensation. This can help to deal with the on-going problems caused by your illness.
Contact us to discuss your situation with a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
Free, No Obligation Enquiry
We are here to help you, so please do call us now on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Free Online Enquiry.
