Stroke Medical Negligence Delay in Treatment Causing Harm (e.g. emergency response failure)
John Whelan Solicitor with specialist expertise in Stroke Medical Negligence gives a case example of Delay in Treatment Causing Harm (e.g. emergency response failure).
Case Example: Delay in Treatment Causing Harm (e.g. emergency response failure)
A medical incident involving a delay in treatment causing harm typically occurs when a Patient does not receive the necessary care in a timely manner, leading to significant deterioration of their condition. This can happen in emergencies or situations where timely intervention is crucial, such as in cases of heart attack, stroke, sepsis, or trauma.
Example: Delay in Treatment for Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)
A Patient presents to the A&E with chest pain, shortness of breath, and sweating. They have a history of hypertension and smoking. The attending nurse quickly triages the Patient, but there is a delay in recognising the severity of his condition. The Patient’s vital signs are not promptly assessed and electrocardiogram (ECG), which shows signs of ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), is not reviewed immediately.
Due to the delay in the initial assessment and failure to recognise the urgency of the situation, the Patient does not receive clot busting medication or be taken for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (angioplasty) within the recommended time window. The delay in treatment leads to profound damage to the heart muscle and the Patient experiences heart failure.
What went wrong:
a) The nurse and physician did not immediately recognise the Patient’s symptoms as indicative of a heart attack and failed to perform the necessary initial assessments and tests (e.g., ECG, blood tests) promptly.
b) Inadequate triage: Although the Patient presented with classic symptoms of a myocardial infarction, the A&E staff did not act with the urgency required for a suspected STEMI case.
c) Failure to follow protocols.
d) Lack of communication.
Consequences:
a) The Patient suffers irreversible damage to the heart muscle, resulting in heart failure and reduced cardiac function.
b) The Patient requires prolonged hospitalisation, intensive care, and long term cardiac rehabilitation.
c) The delay in treatment also leads to prolonged recovery, a reduced quality of life, and significant emotional distress for both the Patient and their family.
For more detailed insights into how Stroke 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/stroke-medical-negligence-claims-what-you-need-to-know/