Delay in diagnosis of fractured hip contributes to death
Dorothy was admitted into hospital to receive treatment for her chest infection. Whilst in hospital Dorothy fell injuring her head and leg. She informed the nursing staff that she was suffering with pain and swelling, but no further action was taken and staff continued with her physiotherapy.
Dorothy’s daughter went to visit her mother and was told that a bed had been made available for Dorothy at a nearby nursing home. Shortly after being transferred it was noticed that there was a lump sticking out of Dorothy’s side near her hip and one of the carers stated that they thought the hip was probably broken.
Upon being taken back to hospital, an x-ray confirmed that Dorothy had fractured her hip and she was given a morphine injection. On being transferred to a ward, it was explained to a doctor on the ward that Dorothy was not to have any more morphine, as it was affecting her chest condition.
It was decided by the family that Dorothy would not have an operation to stabilise her fractured hip, but that they would take her home to care for her. The nursing staff subsequently gave Dorothy another injection of morphine. Dorothy’s condition started to deteriorate and she unfortunately died a couple of days later.
Expert evidence stated that the x-rays suggested a fracture that was 2 to 3 weeks old. On examination of the medical records it appeared there was no evidence that anybody from the medical or nursing staff considered the possibility of a fracture at the time of Dorothy’s hospital admission. The expert evidence stated that all joints should be carefully examined and any difficulties with mobilisation should have been reported which did not happen in Dorothy’s case. This delay in diagnosis of the fracture led to deterioration in Dorothy’s health.
Dorothy’s daughter pursued a claim against the local NHS Trust and was awarded £3,500 with assistance from medical negligence lawyer Victoria Blankstone.