10 Common Accidents in Hospitals: Even Doctors Make Mistakes

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Bumping Into Equipment

Every year, a significant number of medical professionals suffer from minor injuries to their arms and legs due to bumping into equipment such as trolleys in corridors and lifts. Injuries caused by bumping into equipment can include minor scrapes and abrasions to more serious cuts which require stitches.

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Trips and Slips

Spilt water and fluids on hospital floors can cause a major hazard for medical staff. Head injuries are a particular concern when it comes to falls in hospitals and will often lead to legal action if they result in the individual being unable to work.

 Needle Scratches

A significant number of hospital staff report being accidentally pierced or scratched by hypodermic needles which have not been disposed of properly. This kind of accident also carries the danger of bodily fluids being transferred to the medical professional during the incident.

 Violence Towards Hospital Staff

It’s a sad fact that doctors, nurses and other healthcare employees face the very real danger of violence every single day that they go to work. From people taking out their frustration at the long waiting times to mental healthcare patients, figures show that patients commit violence against 200 healthcare workers every day.

Ambulance Driving

There are 53 ambulance services within the UK, providing vital emergency care to patients who are ill or injured. The very nature of the job of an ambulance driver means that, often, driving at speed is required in order to save a patient’s life.