Hospitals are supposed to be clean and sterile places. Otherwise, they may carry a huge risk to vulnerable patients. It can lead to hospital-acquired infections, which is not good news for someone who is already unwell.
These infections have been rising in the past couple of years, putting many lives at risk.
How do these infections occur?
Infections can occur at any contaminated place within the hospital environment since your immune system is already compromised.
Medical devices used on you, the water supply, bed linen or even building surfaces like walls and floors can be potential sources of dangerous bacteria. The actions of the hospital’s staff can also lead to an acquired infection. For example, a nurse or doctor in a hurry may not stop to wash their hands properly between one patient’s room and the next, which can transfer bacteria all around.
Patients may get healthcare-associated infections (HAI) like sepsis (blood infection) and urinary tract infections, among others.
Who is liable, and how do you prove it?
Hospitals owe their patients a reasonable duty of care, which includes providing a clean and sanitized environment. Therefore, the buck stops with the hospital if it’s where you acquired your infection. It is considered negligence since the hospital breached its duty of care.
You deserve compensation
An acquired infection can endanger your already frail health and wellbeing. It could also mean an extended stay in hospital than anticipated, affecting other things, like your job or ability to earn a living. It is only fair that you receive the compensation you deserve as a victim of such kind of hospital negligence.
