What Is a Hospital Acquired Infection?
A healthcare-associated infection can develop while a patient is receiving medical treatment in a hospital or other healthcare setting. The HSE identifies a number of healthcare-associated infections, including MRSA, C. difficile, VRE and other infections caused by antibiotic-resistant organisms.
A surgical site infection (SSI) is an infection occurring at or around the area where an operation has taken place. The HSE notes that surgical site infections can delay healing and recovery and may result in readmission to hospital, further surgery, intensive care treatment and, in serious cases, sepsis or death.
Following spinal surgery, an infection can be particularly concerning because treatment may involve the spine itself or surgical implants such as rods, screws or other fixation devices.
When Could a Spinal Surgery Infection Involve Medical Negligence?
Not every spinal surgery infection is the result of negligence. Infections are a recognised risk of surgery and can sometimes occur even where appropriate precautions have been taken.
A spinal surgery medical negligence claim may arise, however, where there is evidence that the appropriate standard of care was not provided and that this caused or contributed to the patient’s injury.
Depending on the circumstances, potential concerns could include inadequate infection prevention and control, failures in appropriate hygiene or sterilisation procedures, failure to recognise warning signs of infection, delays in diagnosis or treatment, or inadequate monitoring following surgery.
Whether negligence occurred will depend on the individual circumstances of the case and generally requires a detailed review of the patient’s medical records and appropriate independent medical evidence.
The Consequences of Infection After Spinal Surgery
A serious hospital acquired infection following spinal surgery can significantly affect a patient’s recovery. Treatment may require intravenous antibiotics, additional investigations, wound treatment or further surgery.
In some cases, an infection involving spinal implants may require additional procedures. A prolonged recovery can also result in additional medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, time away from work and considerable physical and psychological distress.
The HSE’s patient safety guidance confirms that surgical site infections can result in longer hospital stays and additional surgical procedures, while serious infections can lead to complications including sepsis.
Making a Medical Negligence Claim in Ireland
If you believe that you or a family member developed an infection following spinal surgery because of inadequate medical care, it is important to obtain specialist legal advice.
A medical negligence solicitor in Ireland can review the circumstances of the treatment, obtain relevant medical records and, where appropriate, arrange independent expert medical evidence.
This evidence may help establish whether the care provided fell below the required standard and whether that failure caused the injury or additional complications.
For patients treated within the public healthcare system, the HSE confirms that clinical indemnity covers medical malpractice and clinical negligence claims arising from the diagnosis, treatment and care of patients.
There are also legal time limits that can apply to medical negligence claims in Ireland, so it is important not to delay in seeking legal advice.
Contact Kerrigan Solicitors
If you or a family member has suffered a hospital acquired infection after spinal surgery, and you are concerned that inadequate medical care may have contributed to the infection or its consequences, Kerrigan Solicitors can advise you about your legal options.
We can explain the medical negligence claims process in Ireland, the evidence that may be required and the steps involved in investigating a potential spinal surgery negligence claim.
Contact Kerrigan Solicitors for confidential legal advice about your circumstances by telephone at 091 820630, by email at m.kerrigan@kerrigansolicitors.ie or visit our website at kerrigansolicitors.ie.
We meet with clients throughout Ireland, including in counties such as Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Westmeath, Clare and Limerick.