A hip fracture was mistaken for a knee injury and the 72-year-old woman had to wait for several hours for ambulance. The ambulance nurses are now being criticized by the Swedish Health and Care Inspectorate (Ivo), reports Vårdfokus.
The 72-year-old was found on the floor of the nursing home in December 2020. According to the complainant, the patient was cold sweaty and showed signs of severe pain after a fall from a wheelchair.
Ambulance personnel called stated that one of the woman’s knees was swollen and that she had difficulty loading that leg. The situation was not considered urgent and ambulance was ordered.
When the patient eventually came to the hospital, a hip fracture was found which was operated on.
Ivo criticizes the actions of the ambulance staff. Based on the symptoms, a “further” examination should have been done and the patient should have been transported to hospital immediately.
Ivo considers that the requirements of the Patient Safety Act have not been complied with.
In addition, Ivo criticizes the record keeping in the case.