A Lex Maria report has been filed by Oskarshamn Hospital after delayed handling subjected a patient to unnecessary suffering, life-threatening complications, and permanent injuries, requiring emergency surgery for a neck abscess. The patient sought care on two occasions within three days for severe pain, swelling in the jaw, difficulty swallowing, and toothache, according to Region Kalmar län. During these visits, the patient was recommended to contact the Public Dental Service.
The day after, the patient contacted the emergency department again, at which point the general condition had deteriorated significantly. The patient was then transferred via Västervik Hospital to Linköping for emergency surgery of a neck abscess, which is a widespread pus formation in the deep structures of the neck. Region Kalmar län openly informs about all Lex Maria reports as part of its patient safety work.
A Lex Maria report should always be made if a patient has suffered—according to the Patient Safety Act—a serious care injury or risked suffering one. Healthcare and dental care personnel within Region Kalmar län have over 1 million patient contacts each year, with between 40 and 50 Lex Maria reports per year. According to Hallandsposten, staff failed in care, and a report has been made to IVO.
The specific actions or omissions by the staff that constituted the failure in care have not been detailed, and the permanent injuries suffered by the patient remain unspecified. The current condition of the patient after the emergency surgery is unknown, as are the specific improvements or corrective actions planned by Oskarshamn Hospital following this incident. The timeline for IVO's review and potential outcomes of this Lex Maria report has not been disclosed.