It is hard to deny that those in the medical profession work extremely hard. Firstly, it takes many years of thorough training to practice medicine. Once qualifications have been obtained, shifts can be long and unforgiving.
More often than not, doctors, nurses and others in the field do a tremendous job of providing care to those in need. Sadly, this is not always the case. The lack of respite and the constant pressure of treating the afflicted can take its toll on doctors both physically and emotionally. This can lead to errors that have devastating health impacts on patients.
What does doctor fatigue look like?
Sometimes, signs of fatigue are easy to spot. For example, your doctor may display obvious signs of exhaustion, such as an inability to focus or complete routine tasks. If you notice any unusual behaviors coming from those responsible for your treatment, it is important to raise the matter as soon as possible. Even the simplest of mistakes made due to exhaustion could severely impact your health. If a fatigued surgeon is tasked with your care, they could even make a mistake that proves to be fatal.
When does fatigue become negligence?
Doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals are placed in a position of trust. This means that they are required by law to offer you the highest standards of care. Where tiredness has resulted in a mistake with your diagnosis, treatment, lab results or surgery, this could amount to medical malpractice.
It is vital that you are able to rely on the highest standards of care in medical facilities. If you feel that you have been let down in this area, it may benefit you to gain a further understanding of your legal rights.