A news story regarding a 12-hour delay in obtaining medical treatment for an injured patient caught my attention-- not necessarily due to the horrible injuries the patient sustained-- but due to the staffs' sluggish response to the injured patient with two broken legs and a fractured shoulder.

The 76-year-old patient fell and sustained her injuries while workers at Ridgeland Nursing and Rehabilitation Center were changing her bed at approximately 5 a.m.  A call for emergency assistance was not placed until 4:42 p.m.-- 12 hours later.

In situations like this, it obviously represents a complete failure in the system intended to protect these elderly people from harm.  Federal law requires nursing homes to treat and relieve pain.

According to Federal Regulations, F-Tag 309 (Quality of Care) requires nursing homes to provide 'necessary care and services to attain or maintain the highest practical physical, mental and psychological well being, in accordance with the comprehensive assessment and plan of care.'

As a nursing home lawyer, its easy for me to point the finger at the facilities errors when it comes to following protocols and federal regulations. From a human point of view, it truly is tragic to see medical professionals ignore a person in pain.

Unfortunately, the 'wait and see' reaction to injuries is becoming more common in nursing home injury cases.  We can only guess what transpired at the nursing home during the 12-hours the staff waited to get medical attention. It certainly would be interesting to get a 'call log' from the facility.  Do you think the staff placed a call to their attorneys during the 12-hours this patient sat in pain related to her fractures?

Related Entries:

Study Reveals Nursing Home Patients Chronic Pain Is Not Adequately Controlled

Nursing Home Patient With Broken Hip Sits In Pain. Why Federal Law Requires Staff To Administer Pain Medication

Bone Fractures In The Elderly Require Special Attention To Improve Recovery & Prevent Complications