When you check into the hospital you expect the medical team to make your condition better. Generally, this is precisely what happens. Unfortunately, there are occasions when things don’t go according to plan.
Every year over 1 million patients are impacted by hospital-acquired infections. For those with already weakened immune systems, these can potentially be fatal.
What are some of the more common hospital-acquired infections?
Respiratory tract infections (pneumonia)
Respiratory tract infections attack the lung tissue, with the lungs often filling with fluid and inflammatory cells. This makes it extremely difficult for the patient to breathe.
One of the most notable causes of respiratory tract infections in hospitals is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This bacteria can cause lung complications and often results in patients suffering from pneumonia. While this is a risk to all patients, elderly hospital visitors are especially vulnerable.
Surgical site infections
In some cases, the best course of treatment is a surgical procedure. While modern technology has made surgery much safer, there are still risks, including surgical site infections (SSIs).
SSIs are more likely to occur if the hospital has not followed proper hygiene protocols, such as using sterile equipment and engaging in routine hand washing. It’s important to remember that post-operative care is a crucial aspect of surgical treatment. If post-operative care is lacking, a patient can develop infections days or even weeks after the initial procedure.
Hospital-acquired infections aren’t always the result of negligence, but they can be. If you feel that your medical team has failed in their duty of care, then you may be entitled to compensation for medical malpractice.
Seek legal guidance to explore your options in more detail.