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Our client, Mr C, an elderly man living with dementia, was admitted to hospital in August 2021 with cellulitis in the leg, which had failed to resolve at home taking oral Flucloxacillin. He was confirmed to have cellulitis at the hospital, immediately given IV antibiotics, and was deemed fit for discharge after a few days.
On 15 September 2021, Mr C was transferred to a different hospital, to continue his care. On transfer, he was assessed and his care plan included regular repositioning to prevent pressure ulcers. However, records showed that nurses and healthcare assistants failed to properly implement this plan. Documentation at the end of shifts stated, “positioning maintained,” but critical repositioning was often neglected.
Due to these breaches in duty of care, Mr C developed a Grade 4 sacral ulcer, which deteriorated rapidly, causing intense pain and suffering. His physiological reserves were significantly reduced, leaving him highly vulnerable to infection.
On 30 October 2021, Mr C sadly passed away at hospital. The Record of Inquest confirmed that the cause of death was pneumonia, exacerbated by the sacral ulcer and underlying conditions, including dementia, atrial fibrillation, and hypertension.
Specialist medical negligence solicitor Thomas Kamlow represented Mr C’s family, thoroughly investigating his medical records and consulting multiple experts in nursing and hospital care. The investigation established that proper repositioning measures would have prevented the ulcer from worsening and the subsequent complications leading to his death.
Thomas advocated for the family, highlighting failures in Mr C’s handover process and the absence of an effective care plan. After extensive negotiations, a £11,000 settlement was secured to acknowledge the negligent care, which caused the injuries that Mr C sustained which lad to his sad death and provide some measure of justice to his loved ones.
This case underscores the devastating consequences of inadequate care planning and failure to follow essential safeguarding protocols. By securing compensation for Mr C’s, Thomas helped bring accountability and highlighted the need for improved practices in patient care.
