Medical Negligence Patient Safety

Patient Safety in Ireland, as in other healthcare systems, can be compromised due to a variety of factors.   These can arise form system-level issues, human errors, communication breakdowns, and external pressures.   Here are some ways in which Patient Safety can be compromised in Ireland:

1. Understanding and Overworked Healthcare Professionals        

Staff shortages and overworked healthcare professionals and significant threats to Patient Safety. 

2. Poor Communication and Handover Failures

Miscommunication between healthcare providers is one of the most common causes of patient harm. 

3. Medication Mistakes

Medication mistakes can occur at various stages, including prescribing, dispensing, administering, and monitoring medications. 

4. Inadequate Infection Control

Failure to maintain strict infection prevention and control (IPC) measures can lead to the spread of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).   

5. Poor Management of Healthcare Resources

Inefficiencies in managing healthcare resources can negatively impact Patient Safety.   

6. Failure to Comply with National Standards and Guidelines

In Ireland, healthcare providers are expected to comply to National clinical guidelines and HIQA’s Safer Better Healthcare Standards.    

7. Inadequate Training and Education of Healthcare Staff

Inadequate training of healthcare professionals can lead to compromised Patient Safety, particularly in high-risk areas such as surgery, critical care, or medication management. 

8. Failure to Learn from Adverse Events

Inadequate systems for reporting and learning from Patient Safety incidents can prevent healthcare organisations from addressing underlying problems.  

9. Lack of Patient Involvement in Care

When patients are not actively involved in their own care, safety can be compromised. 

10. Systemic Issues and Long Waiting Lists

11. Inadequate Response to Deteriorating Patients

The failure to promptly recognise and respond to deteriorating patients can result in serious harm or death.  

12. Data Privacy Breaches and Inaccurate Health Records

13. Insufficient Implementation of Technology

While technology can improve safety, the underuse or improper use of technologies like electronic health records (EHRs) can compromise patient care.   

For more detailed insights into how Medical Negligence and Patient Safety impacts you and how Whelan Law can support you, please visit our Patient Safety Rights Legal Advice https://www.whelanlaw.ie/news/medical-negligence-and-patient-safety/