MPC: One million zlotys for patients from the Medical Event Compensation Fund. Who got the most money?

The MPC summarizes the first week of payments to patients and their relatives from the Medical Event Compensation Fund. The amount of benefits awarded since then has already amounted to PLN 1,059,000. In 10 cases, the benefit was given to patients injured by a medical event in the hospital, and in seven cases to relatives in connection with the death of a patient.

- The new out-of-court procedure we are implementing allows us to grant financial support to aggrieved patients and their families without lengthy and costly court proceedings. It is extremely gratifying that already at the beginning of its operation, the model of the Medical Event Compensation Fund developed jointly with Minister of Health Izabela Leszczyna enjoys the trust of patients and is a significant support for them," emphasizes Patient Ombudsman Bartlomiej Chmielowiec.

Highest benefit for diabetes patient

The highest amount awarded so far is more than $154,000 for a patient with diabetes and atherosclerosis. He was put in a plaster bandage due to a fractured ankle. After a few days, he was admitted to the hospital for necrosis of the foot and critical leg ischemia. Despite this, an imaging study of the arteries was not performed, nor was the patient diverted to a specialized center where it would have been possible to perform surgery to ensure adequate blood flow to the vessels. Drug treatment related to foot ischemia and diabetes was also inadequate. As a result, the leg had to be amputated, which could have been avoided with more professional management.

Benefit for failure to adequately diagnose a medical condition

One of the subsequent cases resulted in an award of PLN 96,000. Shortly after gallbladder stone surgery, it turned out that the wound, from which purulent discharge was coming out, was infected with several dangerous bacteria. Purulent cholangitis occurred, resulting in reoperation and prolonged intensive treatment and a deterioration in the patient's quality of life. Evaluation of the case showed that laboratory and imaging diagnostics were neglected prior to surgery, and antibiotic prophylaxis was not administered. Antibiotic therapy was also not included immediately after the surgery, despite the inflammation of the gallbladder and adjacent tissues found during the procedure.

Support for spouse of deceased patient

In another case, the Ombudsman awarded $70,000 to the wife of an elderly patient who was sent away without examination from a hospital emergency department due to an alleged lack of seats. The patient had been taken there by medical transport on the urgent orders of his primary care physician - due to persistent vomiting and headaches, as well as orientation disorders. However, the patient was not examined at all or referred to another hospital, but was sent home. When the patient's condition deteriorated further the next day, a cerebral hemorrhage was diagnosed after appropriate diagnostics were performed. However, it was too late for effective treatment. The patient soon died.

Already more than 500 applications for the benefit

The Patient Ombudsman has already received more than 500 applications for compensation benefits. The Medical Event Compensation Fund covers medical events that occurred starting September 6, 2023. An application can also be made if the event occurred earlier, but the applicant became aware of it after that date. This fast, out-of-court route to compensation does not require proof of the hospital's fault. The basic condition for granting the benefit is whether the injury could have been avoided.

Prepared with patients and their families in mind, the solutions are the result of cooperation between Minister of Health Izabela Leszczyna and Patient Ombudsman Bartlomiej Chmielowiec, and the cases investigated will be helpful in improving safety for all patients.

- A decree issued by Health Minister Izabela Leszczyna launches the operation of the Medical Event Compensation Fund. The new out-of-court procedure makes it possible to grant patients and their families financial support in the event of an avoidable injury during treatment. They are no longer condemned to lengthy, costly legal disputes and litigation," said Bartholomew Chmielowiec after the regulation came into effect, enabling the Compensation Fund to grant benefits.

Source: MPC