What is an acquired infection?
Hospital-acquired infections, which are also called nosocomial infections, include all infections that develop over the course of a stay in a medical facility and that are unassociated with the condition for which the patient was admitted or diagnosed. These infections can be caused by viral, bacterial and fungal pathogens developed after the arrival of the patient. Sometimes a hospital-acquired infection (HAI) can lead to severe injury and even death for a patient.
According to the CDC:
- On any given day, 1-in 25-hospital patients has at least one infection association with healthcare.*
- In 2011, of the almost 800,000 hospital acquired infections in acute care hospitals, approximately 75,000 patient died during their hospitalizations.*
At times, facilities will not have a full-fledged infection control program because of cost. However, this insufficiency can lead to considerable and often preventable danger to the patients within the facility. An additional infection acquired on top of the current injury that brought the patient in for treatment can result in many adverse life-changing circumstances. Such as an extended stay, continued and unnecessary pain, loss of finances due to the inability to return to work and even loss of life. If death occurs, the family can be left with not only the financial responsibility of increased medical bills but also the emotional grieving process, all while preparing for a funeral. These are unfortunate and unjust circumstances for the innocent party and their loved ones.
All patients deserve safe, competent, professional and reliable care while seeking treatment in a healthcare facility. As a patient, you must be able to rely on and trust that the hospital and it’s staff are accountable and professional in their abilities and are dedicated to the successful recovery of all patients.
If you or a family member is the victim of a hospital-acquired infection or sepsis, please know that you are not alone. Contact us today for a free, no obligation, confidential legal consultation.
*Data retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hai/surveillance/index.html