Failure to provide the expected standard of care by a registered nurse in Singapore, leading to patient harm, constitutes actionable negligence. This can manifest in various forms, such as medication errors, inadequate monitoring, or improper wound care. For instance, administering the wrong dosage of medication due to a calculation error or failing to recognize and respond to a deteriorating patient condition could be considered negligent. Such incidents can result in significant physical, emotional, and financial consequences for patients and their families.
Holding healthcare professionals accountable for substandard care is vital for maintaining public trust in the healthcare system. Legal recourse for negligence ensures patient safety and encourages continuous improvement in healthcare practices. Historically, medical negligence laws have evolved to protect patient rights and provide a framework for redress. This framework benefits both patients and medical professionals by offering a clear process for resolving disputes and establishing accountability.