Decision Report 201803663

Summary

Mr C complained that his wife (Ms A) contracted methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA - a bacterial infection that is resistant to a number of widely used antibiotics) due to medical negligence in the Princes Royal Maternity Unit (PRMU), and of a subsequent delay in identifying and appropriately treating the infection. Mr C considered that Ms A contracted MRSA as a result of negligence following the birth of their child. He considered that there was a delay in medical staff diagnosing the infection and thereafter providing proper treatment. Ms A returned home, continuing to have difficulties, and had to receive treatment despite having been discharged from the PRMU.

We requested the relevant medical files and asked an independent medical adviser to consider the care and treatment provided to Ms A. The medical records evidenced that the treatment in hospital had been appropriate, with Ms A's observations being monitored appropriately and decisions taken to discharge her were reasonable in the circumstances. However, on re-admission it was apparent Ms A was suffering from an infection. We found that appropriate investigations were undertaken in a timely manner to identify the cause of Ms A's infection when her symptoms became apparent. The antibiotic treatment was revised when tests concluded the cause of the infection was MRSA. There was no evidence of medical negligence that resulted in the infection. We concluded that the diagnosis and treatment provided to Ms A was reasonable, and therefore did not uphold the complaint.