Compensating the Impact of Post-Surgical Infection
The medical management of the potential for infection in hospital is fundamental to long-term patient well-being.
Managing infection risk in hospital
Patients who undergo surgery in hospital are at risk of infection and a scrupulous approach to assessment, prevention and management is essential to ensure the patient experiences the best possible outcome.
The long-term impact of a post-operative infection can be severe such as the following:
- A soft-tissue infection such as necrotising fasciitis, which can develop through a surgical incision, can be life-threatening. It often commences in the abdomen which is a fairly common location for surgery. It can spread rapidly, causing widespread tissue destruction and requires the patient to undergo several surgical procedures to ensure that the infection is eradicated. If the patient survives the ravages of this horrific infection, they may suffer from loss of mobility, loss of bowel function, scarring and psychological distress.
- An infection in a new joint, such as a knee joint or a hip joint, can bring about the failure of the original surgery. The new joint may need to be reversed in order to enable medical professionals to clear the wound of infection, necessitating the patient to undergo the procedure again if that possibility even remains. The chances of a successful long-term outcome may be reduced as a result and the patient may suffer permanent mobility issues as a result.
Prior to surgery, patients need to be risk assessed. Particular groups may be considered to be at greater risk and require antibiotics prior to surgery in order to minimise their risk of infection.
This might include the elderly, people who have diabetes and people who have a weakened immune system amongst others.
Negligent medical care
A failure to provide the appropriate prophylactic antibiotics at the right time to those who would generally be identified as in need of them may be regarded as negligent.
Should the patient suffer a poor outcome due to such negligence, it might be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Legal advice
If you or a loved one are struggling with the on-going impact of a post-operative infection due to poor medical management of your treatment, contact Glynns Solicitors to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
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