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Intravenous drip into tissue rather than vein, arm injury

£35,000 following delay in identifying and removing intravenous drip which had become dislodged and was pushing fluid into tissue

R v Dewsbury Healthcare NHS Trust (2001)

FACTS

Aged 66 Mrs R was undergoing a surgical procedure to form permanent colostomy.

During the procedure an intravenous line into her hand tissued (became dislodged pushing fluid into tissue rather than into the vein).

Mrs R suffered severe swelling of her hand and arm.

She required surgery to release the pressure in her arm.

Mrs R suffered limitation of use of her arm and shoulder.

BREACH OF DUTY 

It was Mrs R's case the surgical team should have identified her intravenous line had tissued earlier.

CAUSATION

t was Mrs R's case that prompt action would have avoided the build up of fluid, requirement for surgery to release the pressure, and long term limitation of movement.

OUTCOME

Compensation was agreed at £35,000 without trial.