Negligence In Nursing

If you are unsure what negligence in nursing may include or whether you have a case for patient neglect, consider the following real-live examples of nursing or nursing management negligence cases that we have supported:

• Failure to prevent patient falls, for example after anaesthetic or painkillers are taken or due to incorrect application of hoists.
• Failing to report ‘outside the flags’ observations to doctors or communicate important changes in a patients status.
• Cannulating wrist veins without knowing the anatomy of the wrist, or failing to check and ensure cannula is inserted correctly.
• Failure to notice the leaking of intravenous fluids containing iron, calcium, chemotherapy drugs resulting in necrosis or permanent staining of the arm.
• Incorrect insertion of naso-gastric tubes and failure to check the tube is in the stomach before feeding – resulting in aspiration pneumonia and possible death.
• Failing to recognise surgical site infections or signs of sepsis.
• Failing to provide alternating pressure air mattresses to prevent pressure ulcers, risking need to amputate lower limbs if left unattended.
• Failing to provide 1:1 staff for patients with dementia who may then climb, wander and fall.
• Premature or inappropriate discharge from hospital or care.