Necrotising fasciitis and Fournier’s Gangrene are rare bacterial infections. Nevertheless, medical practitioners working within the NHS should be able to recognise the symptoms and make an accurate diagnosis.
Necrotising fasciitis/Fournier’s Gangrene
Necrotising fasciitis is an aggressive, flesh-eating infection. It happens when a certain type of bacteria get into the body’s soft tissue and reproduce. As they reproduce they release a chemical that breaks down the tissue, disrupting the blood supply. This causes the tissue to break down and eventually die. This is called tissue necrosis and will result in an open wound. Therefore the bacteria are not eating the flesh as such, but visually it does appear that way.
Necrotising fasciitis can occur anywhere in the body. However, when it develops in the male genitalia, it is called Fournier’s Gangrene. It is named after Jean Alfred Fournier who identified the condition in 1883.
Necro fasciitis Fournier’s Gangrene NHS
Public Health England suggests there are just 500 cases of necrotising fasciitis in the UK every year. This makes it an extremely rare condition and many medical practitioners will not come across it during the course of their career.
Despite this, it should not be beyond the capabilities of medical professionals in the UK to make a diagnosis. Even if a doctor working for the NHS has not witnessed necrotising fasciitis first-hand before, he/she should recognise that a patient has a severe infection. This should be evident from a patient’s symptoms, which will include:-
- A fever;
- Severe pain at the site of infection;
- Skin that is red and hot to touch at the site of infection;
- Generally feeling very unwell.
A simple blood test will confirm whether or not a patient has a severe infection, as the white blood cell count will be raised. A patient may also have low blood pressure.
Failing to diagnose necrotising fasciitis
Unfortunately there are occasions when medical practitioners working within the NHS fail to diagnose necrotising fasciitis. This will be devastating as necrotising fasciitis must be treated in the early stages if life-threatening complications are to be averted.
If you or your loved one has suffered because of a delayed diagnosis/delayed treatment of necrotising fasciitis, you could be entitled to pursue a claim against the NHS. To find out more about suing the NHS for necrotising fasciitis, you need to speak to a solicitor as soon as possible. Contact us today to speak to a legal expert about your claim.
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