Sylvia SA

Hi I am a Registered Nurse in South Africa and in a predicament and would appreciate some advice from the Nursing community across the globe as to the normal procedure across the globe. Briefly This is what happened. I admitted a patient to hospital for an orthopaedic procedure (hip) that was to take place the next morning Approximately 18 hours later. On admission I followed the normal admission procedures and asked the patient if he had any open sores or any thing that could cause infection. He responded and said no. I did not do a physical examination of the area to be operated immediately. I thereafter had nothing more to do with the patient as I went off shift. The patient was prepped for theatre by one of my colleagues. The following morning on arrival at the theatre, The surgeon found a pimple on the lower part of the abdomen and cancelled the procedure. I realise with the risk of infection why the procedure was cancelled. Certain costs were incurred by the hospital and now I have been charged with Gross Negligence. 1) Is a physical examination of the area to be operated done immediately on admission or when preparing the patient for theatre. 2) Do my actions constitute Gross Negligence? 3) What constitutes gross negligence in such a scenario? I urgently require answer to these questions as I have my disciplinary hearing tomorrow. All constructive criticism is appreciated. Thanks Sylvia