Medical event compensation fund: patient interest is growing

The Office of the Patient Ombudsman has received more than 700 applications for benefits, and the number is increasing month by month. As of July 31, 2024, the Ombudsman has issued 35 decisions to grant benefits, with a total value of more than PLN 2 million. The funds will go to 23 patients and 12 relatives.

"Such high popularity of the new form of benefits and support for patients confirms the need for such a Compensation Fund model. Patients appreciate the proposed solution, which does not require them to go through a long, demanding and costly court path. Lawyers from the Office of the Patient Ombudsman and the Fund's outstanding experts are handling the proceedings in their entirety," says Bartlomiej Chmielowiec.

The average compensation benefit is more than 57 thousand zlotys. The amount of the proposed benefits is satisfactory to the patients or their relatives, as in 27 out of 35 cases the patients or their relatives accepted the calculated amounts. On the other hand, no one waived the awarded benefit.

Examples of cases in which patients have received a decision on benefits from the Medical Event Compensation Fund include:

1. Patient with rectal cancer: during surgery to remove the cancer, the ureter was closed, which the surgeon did not notice. It was necessary to remove the kidney, for which the patient received more than 104,000 zlotys.
2. Patient with spinal problems: The operation did not meet expectations due to insufficient nerve root decompression. The patient was awarded $50,000.
3. A patient with atherosclerosis: The hospitalization resulted in severe pressure sores requiring long-term treatment. The benefit amounted to PLN 61,000.
4. Patient with Arterial Obstruction: Negligence in the Hospital Emergency Department led to serious complications, resulting in the patient's death. His daughter received PLN 50,000.
5. Patient with dehydration: The hospital's inadequate actions led to the patient's death. The deceased's wife and son received a total of PLN 130,000.
6. A patient with an inguinal hernia: Failure to perform additional tests led to the development of an inoperable tumor. The patient received PLN 96,400 and his daughter received PLN 60,000.
7. Patient with intestinal damage: The small intestine was damaged during surgery. The patient received more than PLN 87,000.
8. A patient with bedsores: Despite high risk, no bedsores prophylaxis was used, resulting in serious complications. The ombudsman awarded PLN 48,000.

Source: MPC