nursing errors/poor nursing care

Everyone knows that hospital nursing staff are often extremely busy and understaffed and, unfortunately, the standard of nursing care that some patients receives falls below the standard that they are reasonably entitled to expect.

Although happily, such incidents rarely cause any significant additional injury to the patient, there are still some incidents where the nursing care is so poor, or the error so serious, that it can have very adverse implications for the patient.

Examples of such incidents would include:

• failure to prevent or properly treat pressure sores
• failure to use bed sides appropriately
• failure to ensure that sufficient support is provided to patients needing to mobilise or go to the bathroom
• administration of incorrect medication
• failure to request senior medical assistance at a time when it should be apparent that this is required
• failing to check correct bloods are administered
• failure to properly monitor a patient and to properly record observations
• failure to follow safety procedures intended to protect patients

The investigation of a nursing care claim will often require advice from a nursing expert to report on the standard of care that has been provided.  If this is found to be below an acceptable standard then usually we shall need a further report from an appropriate medical consultant, to advise on the extent of injury that has been caused by that error.

The type of injury that you can sustain following poor nursing care can vary enormously.  The Clinical Negligence team at Blake Lapthorn have a great deal of experience in assessing what sort of assistance or treatment you might need to improve your ability to return to your pre-accident life style.  We have good established relationships with various experts to advise further if appropriate.  We also consider in detail the overall financial impact of your injuries, backed up with evidence as necessary, to ensure that you are able to secure an appropriate award of compensation.

For further information please contact Alison McClure in the Clinical Negligence team on 023 8085 7345 or email alison.mcclure@bllaw.co.uk.