Grade 4 pressure sore

£25,000 award following development of Grade 4 pressure sore.

Mr Johnson, an 88 year old gentleman, was admitted to Kingston Hospital following a fall at his home.  On his transfer to the ward, his son, a GP, advised nursing staff that his father was susceptible to pressure sores following a previous admission to the hospital in 2003.  This was not documented in his medical notes or relayed to other attending staff.  Mr Johnson remained in hospital for almost three weeks.  By the time of his discharge, Mr Johnson had developed Grade 4 pressure sores on both heels and a further sore on his sacrum. 

Following his discharge, Mr Johnson's heels required treatment for a further fifteen months.  His previously independent lifestyle was compromised and he had to rely on carers to assist with personal care and on meals-on-wheels for his cooking.   He was practically housebound as his injuries meant he was unable to drive or participate in local activities. 

BREACH OF DUTY

It was Mr Johnson's case that the nursing staff were negligent in failing to protect his pressure areas, provide pressure relieving mattress, and monitor his pressure areas.

CAUSATION

It was Mr Johnson's case that his Grade 4 pressure sores would have been avoided had he been properly cared for.

OUTCOME

Following investigation and involvement of Darbys the hospital accepted that Mr Johnson's pressure sores had been caused by the medical negligence of it's nurses and a compensation payment was agreed of £25,000