Hospitals may be liable where their receptionists give patients
misleading information as to the availability of medical
assistance.
A recent decision of the UK Supreme Court
found an NHS Trust liable after a hospital receptionist gave a man
with severe head injuries incorrect information as to waiting
times, resulting in the man leaving the hospital without being
examined by a doctor or nurse. Unfortunately the man later suffered
permanent brain damage.
While not binding on the Irish courts, the decision may be of
persuasive authority and those operating hospitals in Ireland can
certainly learn from the decision.
MISLEADING INFORMATION
In 2010, a man attended at a London A&E department having
been attacked and struck on the head. He told the receptionist he
felt as if he was about to collapse and that he needed urgent
medical attention. The receptionist told him that he would have to
wait four or five hours before he was seen.
