Gladys had a history of numerous gynaecological operations. In
June 2005, she was referred to the Homerton Hospital because of
pain at intercourse and painful periods.
An ultrasound scan was performed which revealed multiple
fibroids and it was agreed that Gladys required a subtotal
hysterectomy and right salpingo-oophorectomy. Gladys underwent
surgery on 21 September 2005.
Post operatively she was monitored and was allowed to go home on
24 September 2005. On the morning of 25 September 2005 Gladys
developed sudden severe abdominal pain and was re-admitted by
ambulance to the Homerton Hospital.
On arrival she was examined and was noted to be shivering
uncontrollably and cold to touch. Examination of her abdomen
revealed guarding and rebound tenderness, suggestive of
peritonitis, however a diagnosis of infection was made
instead.
Gladys was given antibiotics and sporadically monitored, until
21:30, when a chest x-ray was performed. The x-ray showed gas under
the diaphragm, indicating a perforated bowel.
In spite of this, no surgical opinion was sought,
and Gladys continued to receive further antibiotics. It was
not until a colo-rectal surgeon was called, at 23:15, that a
diagnosis of a perforated sigmoid colon was made, and an urgent
laparotomy, sigmoid colectomy and primary anastomosis loop
ileostomy were performed.
Gladys' recovery was lengthy and complicated, and she
remained in ICU until 09 October 2005 and was not finally
discharged until 16 November 2005. She was initially unable to
return to work as a teacher until June 2006.
Mark Bowman received instructions to
act for Gladys in March 2006 with the benefit of legal aid. Expert opinion was sought from a
Consultant Gynaecologist and a Consultant Colo-Rectal Surgeon and a
Letter of Claim was served on the Defendant alleging that there had
been a negligent delay in treating Gladys following her
re-admission to hospital on 25 September 2005.
It was argued that but for the delay, Gladys length of admission
to the ITU department, her post operative symptoms including
continuing sepsis requiring a Vacupac, and her period of
convalescence, would all have been significantly reduced.
Following protracted negotiations with the Defendants,
Gladys received the sum of £7,500 in settlement of her claim.
She did not pay any legal fees.
At the conclusion of the case Gladys wrote:
"From the very first time I came to see you you have constantly
remained reliable, supportive, honest and always prompt in your
actions. I must admit, like other people probably, that I really
was expecting my first dealings with a solicitor to be a struggle
and battle to get things done.
"You dispelled all those doubts. You did everything you said you
would quickly and efficiently and always with humour, patience and
politeness. You made this journey as pain free as possible and I
want you to know how much I really appreciate that. I hope I never
have need of legal assistance again but if I do I know where to
come"
For further information or if you have a accident and emergency negligence
claim please call Mark
Bowman on 020 7861 4019 or email paul.mcneil@ffw.com
You can discuss your accident and emergency
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.