Raft of hospital errors exposed
A&E incidents make up largest number of negligence claims by patients
BLUNDERS made in hospital emergency departments accounted for the largest number of medical negligence cases settled last year, new figures reveal.
Of the 108 compensation claims finalised in 2009, more than 21pc related to incidents in emergency departments, followed closely by obstetrics and then surgery.
The State paid out €48m in compensation payments last year but it is predicted this figure could rise to €70m this year. A analysis of 81 of the settled cases shows three involved the death of a patient due to negligence across the health service. Other adverse outcomes included pain and suffering, organ damage, infection, being awake after getting an anaesthetic and haemorrhage.
The report from the State Claims Agency showed that 13 of the settled cases reviewed related to diagnosis incidents.
"Diagnostic errors that harm patients are typically the result of multiple breakdowns and individual and system failures," Debbie Dunne, who conducted the analysis, said. Ms Dunne said these errors included:
- A head injury after a fall which resulted in delayed diagnosis and internal bleeding.
- Failure to diagnose cardiac disease.
- Delayed diagnosis of the genetic disorder galactosaemia resulting in the death of an infant.
The report found 31 different contributory factors in 70pc of the cases which led to the patient being harmed. Practitioner error was highlighted as the main cause.
Failure
This was followed by failure to undertake a clinical assessment; delay or failure to treat; delay in recognising the complication; and also not ordering appropriate tests on time. In the other one-third of cases, the root problems included lack of staff knowledge or competence; communication failure; lack of training; and workload.
The report stated effective communication, team working, documentation, training and education as well as robust risk-management strategies could help improve patient care and reduce medico-legal claims.
Commenting on plans to make all doctors engage in professional development to improve and maintain their skills -- as well as submit to an audit of their work -- Ciaran Breen, head of the Clinical Indemnity scheme, said it was very welcome. "There is no doubt that skills deficits among doctors cause patient harm and lead to claims," he said. "A careful analysis of clinical negligence claims revealed evidence of clinician performance failure due to lack of, or declining, knowledge and skills."
- Eilish O'Regan Health Correspondent
Irish Independent
