Last Updated on March 7, 2025 by tanya

Common Hospital Medication Errors

 

Can I Make A Medical Negligence Claim?

 

Hospitals are places of healing, but they are busy places and there are common hospital medication errors which do occur. Medication errors are not limited to hospitals but also happen in GP practices and care homes.

These errors may include a wrong dose, a missing dose, the wrong medication altogether or given at the incorrect time. Additionally, failing to take allergies into account can have a severe impact.

If you, or a loved one, have been harmed due to a hospital medication error which directly caused you harm, First Personal Injury may be able to help. We partner with lawyers who work on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis.

 

Common Hospital Medication Errors

Medication errors can happen at different stages of the prescribing, dispensing, and administration process. Here are some of the most common hospital medication errors:

 

Prescribing Errors

Prescribing the wrong drug, incorrect dosage, or an inappropriate medication for a patient is one of the most common medication errors. This can happen due to misdiagnosis, lack of patient history, or simply human error.

Harm may also be caused if a doctor prescribes medication that interact poorly with other drugs you may be taking, leading to adverse effects.

 

Administration Errors

These occur when the correct medication is given in the wrong dose, at the wrong time, or by the wrong route (e.g. an injection instead of a tablet). Nurses and other healthcare professionals are responsible for administering medications correctly. But unfortunately work pressure and busy schedules in hospital environments may lead to mistakes.

 

Dispensing Errors

Pharmacists play a crucial role in ensuring you receive the correct medication, but errors may still occur. Mistakes such as labelling issues, incorrect packaging, or dispensing the wrong medication may pose serious risks to patients.

 

Omission Errors

Failing to give you your prescribed medication is another common mistake. This can happen due to staff shortages, miscommunication, or even oversight, especially in a hectic hospital ward.

 

Allergic Reactions and Drug Interactions

 Even if their medical record details an allergy, this may be missed. Being given medication you are allergic to may result in very serious consequences. Likewise, if multiple medications are prescribed without consideration as to how they may interact, may also result in dangerous side effects.

 

Consequences of Medication Errors

The impact of medication errors varies depending on the type of mistake and the patient’s overall health condition. Some errors can be quickly corrected, but some may have a more severe impact on your health. Here are some of the most common consequences:

 

Mild to Severe Health Complications

Medication errors can lead to mild side effects such as nausea, dizziness, or drowsiness. However, in more severe cases, they can cause serious health complications such as organ damage, internal bleeding, or respiratory distress.

 

Worsening of Existing Conditions

If you do not receive the correct medication or dosage, your existing condition may worsen. For example, a diabetic patient given an incorrect insulin dose may experience dangerous blood sugar fluctuations.

 

Prolonged Hospital Stays

Patients who suffer from medication errors may need additional treatment, leading to longer hospital stays. This not only affects the patient’s recovery but also puts additional strain on the healthcare system.

 

Emotional and Psychological Impact

Experiencing a medication error can be traumatic for patients and their families. Anxiety, stress, and loss of trust in the hospital system are common emotional responses.

 

What Constitutes Medical Negligence

 

When a medication error causes harm, you may seek compensation through a medical negligence claim. You must be able to show that the hospital breached their duty of care. Additionally that this breach directly caused you harm or injury.

In this regard, you will have to obtain the necessary evidence. This includes your medical records detailing the error. Documentation of additional medical treatment required du to the error and expert medical opinion confirming negligence.

 

Medical negligence claims can be complicated, so consulting wit a medical negligence lawyer who can assess your case is your next step. To do this, contact First Personal Injury today.

We can guide you through the process to get the compensation you deserve. We work with experienced lawyers who work on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis. Call us at 0333 358 2345 or contact us online for a free consultation.