Friday, April 22, 2011

999 service say 'sorry' for delay

East Midlands Ambulance Service has apologised for delays getting a patient in a diabetic coma to hospital.

An inquiry also found that when paramedics did take the 43-year-old to Leicester Royal Infirmary, she was burnt by a hot water bottle mistakenly left under a blanket.

The patient, who did not want to be named, spent three weeks in intensive care.

East Midlands Ambulance Service (Emas) deputy chief executive David Farrelly apologised and said two paramedics would receive extra training.

The inquiry was launched following a complaint by the patient's daughter, Chelsea Skinner, who said she was pleased about the training.

However, she said: "It is still a mistake which shouldn't have happened.

"Whatever happens it doesn't change the fact mum has a scar for life."

Chelsea, 19, of Cosby, discovered her mother unconscious at home in November.

She said: "Mum was lying on the bedroom floor with the window open and it looked as if she was in a diabetic coma."

Believing her coma was caused by low blood sugar, paramedics gave her glucose.

"The paramedics couldn't do the usual tests because she was so cold but they started rubbing glucose on her lips," Chelsea said.

"They kept telling me she would come round but every other time a coma has been caused by low blood sugar, she has come round really quickly."

Chelsea became more worried when her mother did not respond and appealed to the ambulance crew to get her to hospital.

There it was discovered that she was in fact suffering from high blood sugar.

"It must have been about half-an-hour later that the paramedics took her to Leicester Royal Infirmary," Chelsea said.

"The glucose treatment had only made the coma worse."

In his letter of apology, Mr Farrelly said: "The ambulance service expects its crews to provide expedient medical assessments and appropriate treatment.

"The investigation report concludes that on this occasion the delay in diagnosing your mother's condition and reacting appropriately was not in accordance with the standards expected of our staff.

"Subsequently, both paramedics will receive a supportive clinical and educational assessment for a minimum period of 26 weeks."

The letter said that in relation to the injury caused by the hot water bottle, the paramedic involved acknowledged it was overlooked.

The letter said: "The paramedic was extremely concerned when she was made aware of her error and has offered her sincere apologies."



Source: http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/32715/f/503348/s/145d2135/l/0L0Sthisisleicestershire0O0Cnews0C9990Eservice0Esay0Esorry0Edelay0Carticle0E34775230Edetail0Carticle0Bhtml/story01.htm

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