Nursing home scandal: 87-year-old dies after fatal overdose!

Nursing home scandal: 87-year-old dies after fatal overdose!

In a tragic incident in a nursing home in West Styria, an 87-year-old pensioner died, whose death is probably due to an overdose of a medication. The man who was accepted into the nursing home about a year ago received a six -time dosage over a period of around two weeks than originally prescribed. In this case, the public prosecutor has started investigations into grossly negligent killing.

After a nurse incorrectly entered the family doctor's medication ordinance, the pensioner did not receive a tablet a day for six days, but six tablets a day. This incorrect dose was only sent to the family doctor after two days for review, who also did not notice the error. An expert opinion shows that this overdose was the direct cause of the death of the man.

Investigations and legal consequences

The Graz public prosecutor has charged both the responsible nurse and the family doctor. Both will have to answer to court in the coming week. In this situation, the presumption of innocence applies to both. The scope of this incident makes it clear how important secure medication is allocated in nursing homes.

The problem of polyphaharmacy, in which 86% of residents of retirement and nursing homes take several medication every day, has been known for years. It carries considerable risks, especially if medication is not adapted to the specific diagnoses or is unfavorable for older people. These inadequate ordinances can lead to avoidable undesirable medicines, as the data show potentially inadequate medication. According to a study, 79% of residents in Swiss nursing homes obtain at least one PIM (potentially inadequate medication) Overall, this case illustrates the critical need for facilities to check and implement security standards in medication. The tragic consequences that can result from such errors not only require legal consequences, but also far -reaching changes in the practice of assigning medication in the care sector.