Your child has been admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (pediatric ICU). You are understandably worried about and focused on the condition that has your child so seriously ill. The last thing our Georgia medical malpractice lawyers want to do is to give you something else to worry about. However, we believe that knowing about the risk of hospital acquired infections in pediatric ICUs is important and that you can play in an important part in protecting your child from contracting one of these potentially deadly infections.

While you can help prevent infections, hospital infection control remains the responsibility of the hospital, not the parent. If your child has contracted a hospital acquired infection and suffered physical harm as a result, then it is important to contact an Atlanta medical malpractice attorney.

How Parents Can Help Prevent Pediatric ICU Infections
 
As a parent, you can protect your child by:

  • Asking hospital staff what steps are being taken to prevent infection.
  • Frequently asking whether your child’s central line is still necessary.
  • Asking if your child is being monitored for signs of infection.
  • Requiring all doctors, nurses, and visitors to wash their hands before entering your child’s room.

These simple steps may quite literally be the difference between life and death for your child.
 
How an Atlanta Medical Malpractice Attorney Can Help if Your Child Acquired a Hospital Infection
 
Information on hospital acquired infections is available from fewer than half of the nation’s 423 pediatric ICUs. However, the information that is available from pediatric ICUs indicates that the rate of hospital acquired infections is about 20% higher in pediatric ICUs than in adult ICUs.

If your child has been hurt, or killed, by such an infection, then it is important to contact an experienced Atlanta medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible by calling 1.770.518.1133 for a free consultation. We also encourage you to read our FREE book: Why Did This Critical Medical Error Happen to Me?