Urinary Catheter Error leads to Compensation

A client whose urinary problems took a turn for the worse after changing the catheter bag has won a £2,500 settlement thanks to our medical negligence solicitors.

The man in question attended Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Integrated out of hours care and was seen by a bladder and bowel specialist service.

Our 65 year old client had a three week history of urinary retention and so a urethral catheter was installed and he was sent home under the care of the Bladder and Bowel service and Middleton Integrated Neighbourhood Team.

An initial period without a catheter was attempted but he was unable to pass urine.  He called the community bladder team who attended and removed the catheter, intending to site a new one. The bladder nurses who attended resited the catheter however left without awaiting proper drainage to take place.

Blood in urine after catheterization

Our client woke up in severe pain and noted blood in the catheter bag. His discomfort continued, he was shaky and unwell.  He was advised over the phone to keep his fluids up, wear loose clothing and take paracetamol.  His symptoms were temporarily relieved but a week later he was unable to pass urine, had pain at the end of his penis and later unstoppable bleeding which resulted in an ambulance being called for.

He was then taken to North Manchester General Hospital and had the catheter correctly resited and they administered intravenous morphine.

Thankfully the client has since gone on to make a full recovery and Pearson Solicitors medical negligence team settled this claim quickly for £2,500 in recognition of his pain and suffering.

“In this case the patient underwent unnecessary re catheterisation and the subsequent pain, distress and discomfort because of mismanaged care by specialists,” said medical negligence trainee solicitor, Daniel Phelps.

“The staff did not ensure the catheter was in the correct position and draining properly before they left him and all this could have been avoided.  What our client wanted most of all is that lessons be learned from this incident and competency guidelines and training in catheterisation follow correct clinical guidelines” he added.

How can we help

For advice on making a clinical negligence claim, speak to one of the medical negligence solicitors today on 0161 785 3500 or email enquiries@pearsonlegal.co.uk

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Please note that the information and opinions contained in this article are not intended to be comprehensive, nor to provide legal advice. No responsibility for its accuracy or correctness is assumed by Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers Ltd or any of its members or employees. Professional legal advice should be obtained before taking, or refraining from taking, any action as a result of this article.

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