The nursing profession has come a long way since Florence Nightingale, who is revered as the founder of modern nursing, published her notes in 1859 on “What it Is, and What it Is Not” - the basic fundamentals of nursing.

Nursing is now an integral part of all clinical services provided by the NHS and the private sector throughout the UK. Nurses care for patients when they are often at their most vulnerable, monitoring their condition, administering medication and ensuring a patient is in a safe and comfortable environment during their treatment and recovery.

Patients in hospitals or nursing homes deserve to receive the best standard of nursing care possible. With an ever-increasing ageing population, nurses now have far more responsibility for the active care of patients, performing many of the functions that were traditionally undertaken by doctors. However, with an increase in the number and range of tasks being carried out each day, compounded by understaffed wards and greater financial pressures to provide services, it is inevitable that mistakes will be made. Sometimes, these mistakes can have serious consequences.

There are many kinds of nursing negligence which may lead to a patient suffering from otherwise avoidable physical or mental harm. These include failing to carry out routine risk assessments to prevent falls and pressure sores; failing to record patient information; failing to treat wounds or injuries adequately; failing to monitor and record health indicators properly, including vital signs, blood pressure, temperature or blood sugar levels at appropriate intervals; failing to carry out a doctor’s instructions for a treatment plan; administering the wrong medication or incorrect dosage; misusing medical equipment or devices; failing to provide appropriate assistance during a medical procedure; or failing to respond to changes in a patient’s condition which require escalating a patient’s care to senior clinicians.

A patient who has suffered injury as a result of substandard nursing care may require extended medical treatment and this can have a lasting impact on their lives. In some situations, it may result in long-term disabilities or even a patient’s death.

Examples of cases we have recently settled where claimants have suffered injury as a result of nursing failings include the development of pressure sores whilst in hospital for surgery, facial and arm injuries as a result of a fall in hospital and burns and permanent scarring to an arm due to medication leaking from a cannula.

It is therefore important that lessons are learned to reduce the risks of these problems recurring and to make improvements in nurse-patient relationships.

If you or a loved one have been affected by substandard nursing treatment, you may be able to claim medical negligence compensation to help you move on from these mistakes and put your life back together. Please be aware that any potential claim needs to be started within three years of the negligent treatment or if later, from the date when you first became aware of the negligent treatment.

Jackson Lees have a dedicated team of specialist lawyers who will be able to identify the issues affecting you and your loved ones and offer you the best practical advice on the options available. Please click here for a call back or message us your enquiry.