Hospital-acquired infections are attributed to many things. They may be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. Infections may be transmitted from one’s own body and or from other patients, staff and hospital environment. Contact, especially with improperly washed hands of the staff plays a big role in cross-infection. All these infections can be recognised or can be treated as hospital negligence. This is because the hospital has a duty to keep you from infections or the risk of infections. Any medical facility where there are risks of infections and infections happen can be sued. If you are a victim of any of the infections due to any causes mentioned, you can make a hospital negligence claim. All you have to do is find expert medical negligence solicitors.
It is important to understand infections and their risk in hospitals. This could be very helpful to you especially if you are thinking of making a claim against a medical facility. You will be at a position to identify medical negligence and can provide useful information to solicitors. That being said, certain hazards are inherent in modern hospital practice and that of hospital-acquired infection is one of them. It is estimated that 5-10% of patients admitted in hospitals get some form of infection, the frequency and severity of which varies with the patient.
Hospital-acquired infections or nosocomial infections are those acquired by staff or patients in the hospital. These infections may be life-threatening such as meningitis. The presence of immuno suppressed individuals and the increasing use of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures requiring equipment and instruments which get contaminated and are difficult to sterilize has added to the risk of acquiring an infection in modern hospitals. But this is no excuse for any medical facility. They will still be sued for hospital negligence if infections happen in their facilities.
Infection acquired in the hospital that may be caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi is peculiar and may develop to something else not good. It may take the form of an infestation and involve parasites. Bacteria responsible for hospital infection are noted for their resistance towards antibiotics. Multiple resistant strains of bacteria emerge as a result of chemotherapeutic selection and colonize patients and staff to contaminate the environment. This is why it is very important for any hospital to work towards reducing risks infections in their environments. Infections such strains are difficult to treat. Certain infections are endemic in hospitals and occur from time to time. Occasionally, outbreaks or epidemics occur as a result of some breakdown in hospital hygiene.
2.Contact of inadequate/improper washing (of hands and equipment) due to lack of facilities or time.
Sources of infection in a hospital are numerous and a variety of infectious agents are involved which cause infections to range from mild to life-threatening. It is necessary to identify and understand their mode of transmission so that effective preventive and control measures can be undertaken.