Patients facing delays in sepsis treatment
By Clare Gooch
In a recent statement Dr Ron Daniels, Chief Executive of the UK Sepsis Trust , expressed concern that hospital patients were being put at risk in regard to the severity and development of sepsis. is a life-threatening condition and therefore has to be treated immediately.
occurs when the immune system tries to fight of infection, but starts to attack organs and tissues instead. Patients should be seen urgently to increase the chance of survival through the use of antibiotics. If left untreated can lead to a number of physical and effects and in the most severe cases can be fatal.
What are the signs of Sepsis?
In adults:
- slurred speech
- extreme shivering or muscle pain
- passing no urine in a day
- severe breathlessness
- high heart rate and high or low body temperature
- skin mottled or discoloured
In children:
- looks mottled, bluish or pale
- very lethargic or difficult to wake
- abnormally cold to touch
- breathing very fast
- a rash that does not fade when you press it
- a seizure or convulsion
These signs should be familiar immediately to an expert.
However, in some hospitals there are more than half of patients being subject to unnecessary and potentially dangerous delays in treatment. Such delays can have serious ramifications due to a lack of judgement by medical professionals. A failure to recognise or treat is a serious concern and you may have a case in negligence. These cases may entail a medical negligence claim to help with the after care and support needed as well as compensation for the pain and suffering you have been through.
The BBC reported that out of 100 hospital trusts, 75% of patients received treatment within one hour between the months of January and March. The Trust stated that there are around 250,000 cases every year in the UK, meaning that a large number of people are left with delayed treatment.
At Switalskis our skilled medical negligence team are experienced in a variety of claims, including sepsis. We will ensure that you get just compensation so that you can obtain the best care available and give you guidance throughout the whole process. As this is a stressful and upsetting time in anyone’s life, our friendly and understanding solicitors will help you in any way possible.
If you have experienced a failure to diagnose sepsis or any similar problems, speak to a member of our team about sepsis compensation. Please call us on 0800 138 0458 or email help@switalskis.com
Clare has worked in Medical Negligence for over 10 years. She’s a Senior Associate Solicitor in our Medical Negligence team based in Switalskis’ London office.
