The End of Treatment

An old man in Boston UK had experienced a horrible example of negligence at a Pilgrim Hospital. It resulted in stress which caused a heart attack, the Coroner's Court put on his death certificate. But, what could go so wrong?

Before his admission this 87 years old man was perfectly healthy physically and mentally. He was only admitted to a ward after a fall which led to a broken bone in his arm. After nine days he was dead.

After he had been admitted he fell in the bathroom which resulted in a broken fibula. Only within the next 48 hours he fell again which resulted in a broken hip. This time he had to have an operation after which he was not able to move at all. Surprisingly, his family members have not been informed about it for the whole day.

But, it's not over. Nurses did not pay any attention as to whether he had access to oxygen the whole time. His bed sheets were not changed and his bandages were soaked with blood. Family members had to ask nurses to change both sheets and bandages which they did after several hours. But, it wasn't the only problem. This man was placed on a bed which was too high for him and he was not able reach an emergency button to call for help. Besides, it took a lot of time for nurses to get to him once he finally pressed it.

While he was staying there he also developed a urine infection and probably sepsis. Family also noticed lacks in documentation which didn't include basic information about this patient, his conditions and his treatment.

Sadly, this man had to suffer his last bit of stress by being transported to a different ward. He was told that there is someone in a worse condition than he is. This old man died that day...

Before his death, each time when this man's family noticed something wrong they filed a complaint to the hospital. It apologised each time and promised to introduce changes. Surprisingly, after this man died an independent expert prepared a report for a coroner in which he stated that standards at this hospital have been met.

Nevertheless, the coroner found it suspicious that during the first 48 hours this man fell two times at a hospital which proves negligence of this hospital's staff.

So, this case shows that we cannot blindly trust doctors and nurses. It is mainly our responsibility to look after our parents and grandparents, and to make sure that they receive appropriate care.



Image Source: http://magneticmediatv.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/morgue-tci.jpg