On 22 October 1997, Derek was seen at
Kent & Canterbury Hospital. He was 12 at the time and was known
to have a Grade 2-36 apical pan systolic murmur and a ventricular
septal defect.
Derek was placed on the semi-urgent
waiting list at the Royal Brompton Hospital for surgical repair of
the coarctation, where he was admitted on 2 December 1997.
During the operation, for reasons
unexplained, Derek was given the then normal potassium level, Derek
was given 5% dextrose, 20mls fluid containing potassium chloride at
a dose of 40mmol. An 18mm graft was inserted distal to the
subclavian artery, bypassing the coarctation.
Following the surgery Derek's potassium levels were
abnormally high. It was over three hours before medication
was prescribed to reduce these levels.
Despite the introduction of Frusemide and a transfusion of
packed cells the potassium levels remained high, and at or about
21.10hrs Derek suffered a cardiac arrest due to high potassium
levels.
Resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful and Derek was certified
dead at 22.10hrs.
We acted on behalf of Derek’s parents. Proceedings were issued
alleging that there was a failure to treat Derek’s rising potassium
levels and that had Derek’s potassium levels been managed
appropriately, Derek’s death was preventable.
The defence admitted liability but
denied the parent’s claim for damages for psychiatric injury.
Following negotiations, Derek's case eventually settled in the sum
of £53,000.00.
For further information or if you have a surgery negligence claim please
contact Paul McNeil on
020 7861 4019 or email paul.mcneil@ffw.com
You can discuss your surgery
negligence claim with any member of our medical negligence team on
freephone 0800 358 3848, email personalinjury@ffw.com or
complete our short enquiry form.