MRSA
Methicillin-resistant Staphyloccus aureus
Hugh James last year secured a landmark victory which will make it easier for injured claimants to obtain their rightful compensation if they suffer injuries following the contraction of MRSA. In the past, bringing a case in negligence for actually contracting MRSA in Hospital has been very difficult. There have been a few successful cases relating to the negligent treatment of MRSA but not the negligent contracting of MRSA.
This action is important because the Defendant accepted that the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations applied to MRSA infections, which means that if a Hospital, as in this case, fails to follow its infection control policies, and that this has resulted in the patient contracting MRSA, they will be liable for an injury caused to the patient and will be faced with having to pay compensation, which in many cases, like this case, is likely to be significant. This is a wakeup call to the Hospital Trusts to ensure that they have adequate Infection Control Policies and to ensure that Hospital workers comply with the policies.
Partner and Head of Clinical Negligence,
Please contact
'A Landmark Settlement in MRSA by Hugh James Solicitors'
MRSA Facts
- MRSA does not respect age. Newborn babies have become infected via their umbilical cords and in a recent case; a 27 year old was infected during an operation on his broken leg.
- MRSA is prevalent in the community and can be carried by people without causing any detriment to their health.
- Patients undergoing surgical procedures or who require catheters or drips are vulnerable to infection if Health Authority policies and procedures are not followed.
- This strain of bacteria is resistant to most antibiotic treatments although Vancamycin and Teicoplanin are used to treat this type of infection with success. Infection can result in prolonged hospitalisation, amputation and fatalities.
- Mainly transmitted by poor hygiene in hospitals and contributed to by the lack of barrier nursing facilities in hospitals.
- Hospital acquired MRSA may be distinguished from community strains and many hospitals require patients to be screened prior to admission for surgical procedures.
- The number of MRSA bacteraemias in the first four years of mandatory recording for
Have you been infected with MRSA?
If you have contracted an MRSA infection whilst undergoing hospital treatment you should contact Hugh James Solicitors which offers a dedicated local and national service. It is ranked first as a representative of Claimants by Chambers and Partners, the Independent Guide to Law Firms:
"Dependable, solid and national in scope" it inspires "complete confidence in its clients". "Peers often refer work here, "safe in the knowledge that the firm will handle it". "
In addition to our specialist solicitors, we also have experts in various necessary support fields, including medical, scientific and social work qualified executives.
We believe in flexibility and are happy to arrange a free interview in the first instance whether in our offices, at your home or even in hospital. Before proceeding with any claim we can advise you of any entitlement or assistance that may be available through the community legal service, personal insurance cover or even how to proceed on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis if suitable.
Please contact
Support Group Campaigns for Increased Resources to Fight MRSA
Support Organisations
MRSASUPPORT
46
Website: www.mrsasupport.co.uk
E-mail: info@mrsasupport.co.uk
Tel: 0121 459 0490 or 0121 476 6583
The Patients’ Association
HARROW
Middlesex HA1 3YJ
Website: www.patients-association.com
E-mail: mailbox@patients-association.com
Helpline: 08456 084455
NHS Direct
Website: http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
Helpline 0845 4647