Hospital Acquired Infection

At Berwick Solicitors, we recognise the vital role that both public and private hospitals play in providing care every day of the year, for urgent and non-urgent medical needs. While hospitals strive to maintain high standards of quality and safety, including rigorous infection control measures, hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) can and do occur. If such an infection is a result of medical negligence, the affected individuals may have the right to seek compensation.

Understanding Hospital Acquired Infections

What Are the 5 Most Common Hospital Acquired Infections?

1. Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
2. Clostridium difficile (C. diff)
3. Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE)
4. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) from catheters
5. Surgical site infections

How Is Hospital Acquired Infection Calculated?

The rate of hospital-acquired infection is calculated based on the number of infections occurring in a hospital setting compared to the number of patients at risk, within a specified timeframe.

How Much Does a Hospital Acquired Infection Cost?

The cost of treating a hospital-acquired infection can vary widely, depending on the type of infection, the required treatment and the length of additional hospital stay.

How Much Does Healthcare-Associated Infections Cost Ireland?

Healthcare-associated infections represent a significant financial burden to the Irish healthcare system, with costs associated with extended hospital stays, additional treatments and increased care needs.

What Are 6 Most Common Hospital Acquired Infections in Order?

1. Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
2. Clostridium difficile (C. diff)
3. Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE)
4. Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
5. Surgical site infections
6. Pneumonia (often ventilator-associated)

What Is the Most Frequent Hospital-Acquired Infection?

Urinary tract infections (UTIs), particularly those associated with the use of catheters, are among the most frequently reported hospital-acquired infections.

Why Choose Berwick Solicitors for Your Hospital Acquired Infection Claim?

Berwick Solicitors brings legal expertise and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals and families dealing with hospital-acquired infections. Our solicitors manage the entire process on your behalf, compiling essential information and overseeing the submission of your claim, ensuring that your case is presented with the strongest possible evidence.

Causes of Hospital Acquired Infections

Hospital-acquired infections can stem from several sources, including, but not limited to:

• Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA): A bacteria carried on the skin that poses a risk of wound infections and septicaemia when the skin is broken.
• Clostridium difficile (C. diff): A bacteria residing in the human gut, capable of causing severe illnesses in some cases.
• Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE): Carried on the skin and in the gut, leading to various infections in vulnerable patients.

Infections may arise in surgical wounds or the respiratory, genitourinary, or gastrointestinal systems and can be spread through multiple vectors, including contact with contaminated individuals or instruments, unsanitary facilities, airborne pathogens, or contaminated food or water.

Pursuing a Hospital Acquired Infection Claim with Berwick Solicitors

If you or a loved one has suffered from a hospital-acquired infection that you believe was due to medical negligence, Berwick Solicitors is here to help. Our team is committed to providing expert legal advice and representation, advocating for your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you are entitled to. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support you through this process.

For expert guidance and comprehensive support on handling medical negligence claims in Ireland, refer to our medical negligence solicitors page. Our dedicated team, with extensive experience across a wide range of medical negligence cases, is committed to delivering the justice and compensation you are entitled to. We provide detailed information and resources to assist you through this challenging process, ensuring you have the representation you need.