Patient was sent home with a drip needle in the arm

A man in his 80s was sent home from Ystad’s hospital in September with a drip needle left in his arm. It remained there for two days, before the mistake was discovered.

Region Skåne has now reported the incident to the Inspectorate for Care and Care (Ivo) according to lex Maria, the region writes on its website.

The man had come to the emergency room by ambulance because of breathing problems. When an examination showed signs that the man had suffered an infection, he was admitted and given a drip with antibiotic treatment.

After three days he was discharged, with the forgotten needle in his right arm. When he went in for his regular dialysis treatment two days later, the mistake was discovered. The needle was removed without any problem for the man.

An investigation has shown deficiencies in adherence to routines and in nursing documentation of drip needles. In order to reduce the risk of the mistake being repeated, the checklist for drip needles has been clarified and information has been provided about the incident.