Dementia patient left unattended in bathroom falls breaking her hip

[Bankonmyansa]

Can anyone give advice re my elderly mother of 87 who was taken into hospital last week, Thursday 22/10/09 with a chest infection. The staff were aware of her severe dementia. The following Thursday evening she was taken to the bathroom and left unsupervised with a buzzer to inform the nurses when she was finished. Due to my mothers dementia she obviously could not do this. Some time later a nurse found my mother lying in the bathroom with a fractured hip. I, being her next of kin was not notified until my brother visited my mother at 7pm when he was then told. My mother went through an operation yesterday for her hip and we are now faced with the possibility that she may never come back to her home. Can anyone advise whether we have a case to sue this hospital for Medical Negligence?. Any help would be appreciated.

[stonekicker]

not unless she was either left for an unacceptable amount of time on the loo, or if she known mobility problems and the staff were aware of this. even a history of a couple of falls could be enough. it could just be one of those things...that may not be what you want to hear, but accidents do happen. it was disgusting as next of kin you were not informed. you could certainly complain about this. see your local pals officer (patient advice liaison servcie) and take it from there. hope your mum is now more comfortable and offer you my best wishes...