Abstract
Following admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), patients or their relatives may need legal advice. This is a retrospective review of the impact of an in-house legal service able to provide legal advice acutely, in a specialised 13-bed neurosciences ICU in a University Hospital over a two and a half year period. All patients admitted to the ICU were considered. Consent for approach by the legal service was taken from the patient if possible. If not possible, assent was obtained from the next of kin. Solicitors were available for one afternoon per week on the ICU or within one day in emergency situations. The amount of time spent in discussion of non-compensation issues arising as a result of admission was measured as well as the time spent identifying potential claims for compensation against a third party and resulting in legal firms being instructed to pursue claims. One hundred and nine legal audits were undertaken. Non-compensation advice was provided in all cases. Possible compensation claims were identified in 63 cases. Of these, the advising firm of solicitors was instructed in 14 cases. Significant numbers of ICU patients and their families have legal issues arising as a result of acute hospitalisation. In many instances, these are not dealt with while the patient is seriously ill. Early identification and management of these issues helps to relieve the anxiety experienced by families.