Everybody is aware of the pressures facing the NHS and many believe that treatment offered in private hospitals is superior. A recent case handled by Alex Barley of Slater Heelis shows that is not always the case.
Case background
Our client, Miss H, was suffering from gallstones and required surgery to remove her gallbladder (a cholecystectomy). The procedure was carried out at a private hospital under an NHS contract but, during the procedure, damage was caused to Miss H’s bile duct. The surgeon attempted to repair the duct however, bile continued to leak into her abdomen.
During a follow-up appointment at the private hospital, Miss H complained of abdominal pain, but there was a failure to fully investigate the symptoms or carry out standard baseline physiology checks, i.e. heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and temperature. The following day, Miss H was admitted to an NHS hospital when there was a sudden and severe increase in her abdominal pain. She was diagnosed with post operative sepsis and underwent emergency surgery.
Ms H was left with ongoing episodes of cramping and abdominal pain, in addition to an incisional hernia, intra-abdominal adhesions with a risk of intestinal obstruction at some point in the future, and psychological injuries.
It was admitted by the Defendant that the injury to Ms H’s bile duct was caused negligently but it was denied that the follow-up care was below a reasonable standard.
Despite receiving only a partial admission of liability, we were able to agree a settlement of £75,000 as compensation for the injuries suffered by Miss H as a result of the negligent treatment.
If you were to suffer a sudden medical emergency like Miss H, an NHS hospital is likely to be the best place for you to be treated.
How can we help?
Alex Barley is a Partner in our Personal Injury team.
For further information on the above subject, please contact Alex or another member of the team on 0330 111 3131 or via our contact form.