A Lex Maria report has been filed in Kalmar, Sweden, following delayed treatment of a patient. Chief physician Inger Landgren of the primary care administration made the report after a significant drop in a patient's blood value was not investigated promptly. During an annual check-up, a patient in their 70s had a much lower blood value than previously, but felt well.
Iron tablets were prescribed, the blood value rose, and no investigation was conducted. Eight months later, when the patient sought care for abdominal pain, a tumor was discovered in the stomach. The investigation revealed shortcomings in the handling.
Measures have been taken to prevent a similar incident. Region Kalmar län openly informs about all Lex Maria reports as part of its patient safety work, aiming to shift from a punitive culture to a more preventive approach. A Lex Maria report is required when a patient suffers or risks a serious care injury under the Patient Safety Act.
The care provider conducts an internal investigation, reviewed by the Health and Social Care Inspectorate (IVO), to ensure planned measures meet high patient safety standards and prevent future incidents. Region Kalmar län's healthcare and dental care staff have over 1 million patient contacts annually, with 40 to 50 Lex Maria reports per year.