The multi-diseased patient had spread cancer and sought care after having suffered a fracture. The care assessed that the fracture looked complicated and that the patient would be transferred to another hospital for surgery.
The transfer was delayed for a few days due to uncertain availability of care places and operating rooms. During this time, the patient's condition deteriorated, including getting a high fever, according to a press release from Region Västerbotten.
When the surgery was finally performed, it took longer than expected and the patient needed to be anesthetized. In connection with this, the patient suffered cardiac arrest and died despite life-saving measures being taken.
The delayed surgery and the patient contracting an infection are believed to have increased the risk of complications. If the surgery had taken place earlier, the patient would likely have had better prospects. The region has made a Lex Maria notification of the incident.
