Medical negligence
Investigation launched after hospital infection rate almost doubles
An investigation has been launched at a hospital after surgical infections were reported in patients at almost double the expected rate.
The concerns relate to trauma and orthopaedic surgery at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead, with a report from the hospital revealing there have been eight confirmed cases of Surgical Site Infections (SSIs).
A report says there have been six deep SSIs since October last year, which is described as being a “significant increase and nearly double the expected rate of infections”.
The hospital’s board report said it is “unsatisfied with the standard of care” and that it is investigating further.
It also described the situation as a “multifaceted issue” with “no clear themes” yet identified.
Law firm Slater and Gordon supports individuals and their families nationally who have been impacted by poor standards of care, and is an advocate for the need for better standards in the NHS.
John Lowther, senior associate at Slater and Gordon in Newcastle, says: “The fact that surgical infections at this hospital have increased significantly is very concerning, and people who have already undergone surgery now have the added trauma of having to deal with subsequent infection.
“The hospital board report raises concerns over the standards of care delivered in these instances, and patients have the right to demand answers as to what has happened. For anyone who has received poor care, we would urge them to come forward and seek support in establishing what went wrong.”
For anyone who has experienced poor standards of care or has concerns about the treatment they received, our clinical negligence specialists can help. Call us today on 0330 041 5869 or contact us online.
