MRSA

See Also : Clinical Negligence | MRSA | Cosmetic Surgery |
Cancer Misdiagnosis | Birth Injuries | Gynaecological Errors | Surgical Errors Nursing Neglect

Hospital superbug Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) is contributing to a rising number of deaths and illness throughout the UK.

The very least effect of MRSA is that it is very distressing, leading to longer hospitalisation and a slower recovery. At its worst, it leads to blood poisoning, amputation or death. More than 5,000 MRSA cases were reported in England and Wales in 2002, with an estimated 800 deaths directly linked to the bug. Trauma and elderly patients are most at risk.

We are receiving an increasing number of urgent enquiries from people who have contracted MRSA or have a relative who has. Most are from former hospital patients and it has led to serious complications of their condition. In some cases it has been fatal.

An MRSA infection's symptoms include boils, abscesses, skin problems, and even heart valve infections and `toxic-shock' syndrome. Because hospital patients are usually in poor health using catheters or with surgical wounds, they are more susceptible to MRSA. For this reason, infections can spread rapidly in crowded hospitals if hygiene standards are not first rate.

MRSA cases are rising for several reasons including through better recognition and monitoring of the illness. The European Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System data for 2002 showed that the UK has one of the worst incidence rates in Europe.

Every MRSA case will be fully investigated with each claim assessed on its own merits. Where it can be shown that someone contracted MRSA as a result of poor hygiene, they are entitled to compensation for the damage and loss they have suffered.

Claims often arise from the same hospital or ward and involve a number of similar issues. In appropriate cases, these may be handled as a group action.

If you think you may have cause for a medical negligence claim, please call 0800 043 8884 for an informal chat to discuss your situation or simply fill in our online form on this page.