£5,000 settlement for unnecessary pain caused by Pressure Sores during elderly father’s final days

Pressure sores are usually preventable with proper care, including timely and consistent repositioning, but they can cause unimaginable pain and suffering when overlooked.

Sadly, that is exactly what happened to an elderly father-of-two as a result of clinical negligence during the time he was placed on an end-of-life pathway at Sunderland Royal Hospital.

After being admitted for treatment in September 2020 following a fall at home, he was assessed as high-risk for developing pressure ulcers and prescribed two-hourly repositioning to protect his fragile skin. Tragically, these instructions were not followed during the following three weeks in hospital.

He developed a Grade 2 pressure ulcer on a few weeks later, which worsened to a Grade 4 sacral pressure ulcer, causing significant pain and discomfort before he was discharged to a hospice in October 2020, where he sadly passed away a week later. Upon further examination, it was discovered that he had developed another pressure sore on his left heel.

Deeply cherished by his two daughters, who were heartbroken over his passing, their loss was compounded by the knowledge that his suffering could have been avoided had the nursing staff moved him into different positions at the prescribed intervals, or had used more appropriate equipment such as pressure-relieving mattresses.

Seeking justice for their father and the unnecessary pain he suffered, we conducted a detailed review of the Deceased’s medical records and medical evidence and put the allegations to the Defendant Trust in August 2023.

Whilst all allegations of breach of duty and causation were initially denied, Alixandra Cadden-Young, the solicitor handling the case, eventually managed to negotiate a £5,000 settlement in May 2024.

“It was clearly evident that the nursing staff’s failure to follow prescribed care fell below the standards expected from any responsible medical professional,” explained Alixandra.

“This negligence not only caused unnecessary pain and suffering; it also caused his family anguish to know of his suffering in his final weeks.

“Sadly, this has had a huge and long-lasting emotional impact on his family, who hope lessons can be learned so that no one else has to needlessly suffer like this in the future.”

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