Hospital negligence

In hospitals a number of stringent hygiene procedures are in place, which should, in theory, stem the spread of infection. However in practice such procedures can be found to be inadequate and unfortunately it is common for patients and visitors to contract one of many healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs).

Contracting a hospital infection can lead to a number of problems, in addition to the infection itself. For example, infections will prolong your recovery period on top of the reason that you are in hospital in the first place. This could lead to further complications, such as the need for surgery or extensive loss of earnings. HCAIs cover a number of illnesses, such as:

Osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis is a bone infection that reaches the bone via nearby tissue or the bloodstream. It most commonly affects the spine, arms and legs. Strong intravenous antibiotics are required for at least one month, and can often be followed by surgery to remove parts of the bone that have died. It is a severe and serious infection.

Norovirus

Norovirus is a common stomach bug which can be passed through touching contaminated objects, food and water – it is highly contagious. Usually lasting between one and five days, norovirus causes sickness, diarrhoea, aching limbs and a high temperature. In a hospital environment, this can be extremely traumatic for a patient who is already unwell.

GRE

GRE, or glycopeptide-resistant enterococci, are bacteria found in the bowels of most healthy people. In some rare cases, GRE can be resistant to certain antibiotics and is, as a result, quite difficult to treat. GRE infections are more common in patients who are in hospital for a long amount of time and have a low immune system; it can cause serious problems, such as blood poisoning and wound infections.

If you have suffered a hospital infection because of medical negligence you could be entitled to compensation and one quick call is all it takes to find out for sure. At Stephensons a legal advisor can provide free initial no obligation advice and a highly skilled and experience medical negligence solicitor is ready and waiting to take your case.

Throughout the years, our solicitors have represented many clients who have sought compensation for hospital infections like Osteomyelitis. We have helped sufferers to claim the compensation required for ongoing treatment and loss of earnings related to the period of illness.

Please call 01616 966 229 to speak to one of our experienced hospital negligence lawyers regarding a hospital related illness or infection. We can offer you free legal advice initially to determine whether you can a valid case.

Alternatively please complete our enquiry form and a member of our clinical negligence team will contact you directly. If you have suffered a hospital infection, you could be entitled to compensation and our highly skilled medical negligence solicitors are ready to act on your behalf.