Hospitals tend to be sterile and safe environments for patients. In unsterile an environment, patients can catch an infection that could be potentially dangerous. It is the hospital or medical centre’s duty of care to ensure safe and sterile environments for patients, if you were a patient in a medical setting and got an infection from unsterile conditions, make sure to claim with our experienced medical negligence solicitors at Solicitors On Your Side.
Infections can be caused by bacterial, fungal and viral pathogens, which usually occur due to no fault of your own.
What are common infections from medical environments?
Patients can contract a variety of infections from unsterile environments, which can lead to complications to your health. Mandatory procedures are enforced in hospitals and medical centres to ensure that all equipment and apparatus are correctly sanitised, and no infections are transferred. However, in busier environments during which staff may not have the opportunity to follow this procedure, infections may be contracted.
Infections can be caught due to negligent care, during which safety procedures are carried out incorrectly, leading to diseases that may lead to complications to a patient’s health.
How are hospital infections acquired?
As we mentioned before, common infections are acquired due to negligence. Examples of neglect include:
- Busy hospitals, during which the staff and the patients travel throughout the hospital, cause cross-contamination.
- Reuse of surgical equipment without proper sterilisation or reusing hospital equipment that should not be reused.
Common infections acquired in hospitals
Hospital-acquired infections occur when the infections in contracted at the hospital and were not present before. There is a range of diseases that can be contracted during a stay or visit in the hospital. The most common hospital-acquired infections include:
- Surgical site infections – these can occur in any part of the body.
- Pneumonia – This is an infection in the lungs, which can cause breathing difficulties and can even lead to some life-threatening complications.
- Bloodstream infections – this is when a bacterial infection enters the bloodstream.
- Urinary tract infection – an infection that occurs in the bladder, kidneys or the tubes connected to them, this is usually caused by bacteria.
The different types of infections include:
- Gastroenteritis
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
- Escherichia coli (E. coli)
- Clostridium difficile (C. diff)
Healthcare acquired infections can be severe and can impact individuals differently. For some, it may pass like a cold or flu, but for some, it may be more serious. There a certain types of people that are more likely to face more dangerous consequences from these infections. These individuals tend to be the ones who visit hospitals more frequently anyway, and catching an illness from negligence, can be truly devastating.
- People with underlying health conditions
- Elderly people
- Young children
- People with a low immune system
Catching COVID-19 in a hospital
1 in 5 hospital patients with COVID-19 contract it in a hospital. Coronavirus is a remarkably infectious disease, with the omicron variant being the most infectious out of all over 20 variants discovered. Sadly, nowadays, it is easy to catch coronavirus, and correct sterilisation and hygiene in hospitals are more important than ever.
Can I claim a hospital-acquired condition?
Yes, you can. You must prove that the infection was caught due to the staff’s negligence and that you did not have the illness before your visit. We must prove that the virus was passed due to a lack of personal protective equipment or failing to correctly sterilise reusable equipment or used equipment that should not be reused.
How we can help you
Our experienced medical negligence solicitors can help you and ensure that you get the highest possible compensation for the damages you may have faced from your hospital-acquired infection. Whether it is an infection that resulted in a minor illness or severe complications, you are entitled to claim compensation for the negligence of the medical staff. To start a successful claim with one of our experienced solicitors, call us now on 0330 912 2124. We will ensure that you are updated step by step and know where you always stand during your claim so you can come out with the most successful possible outcome for your case.
Contact us
Contact one of our solicitors now. Our online chat is open 24/7, available to help you at any time of the day. Contact us now. Solicitors On Your Side can offer you free advice and consultations.
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