Roofer to get £400k pay out after QEH op
LYNN’S Queen Elizabeth Hospital has paid £400,000 damages to a roofer who was left incontinent and impotent after a back operation.
The hospital admitted breach of duty in failing to act sooner on the signs of cauda equina syndrome - a disorder affecting nerves at the bottom of the spine, a statement from the patient’s solicitor Blake Lapthorn said.
Following a long legal process the hospital agreed an out-of-court settlement, with the unnamed patient, referred to only as Mr H.
A hospital spokesman said: “The Trust deeply regrets that Mr H unfortunately developed a complication following spinal surgery at this hospital that has led to long-term problems with his health.
“The Trust performs over 30,000 operations a year and strives to ensure a favourable outcome for each and every patient. It is always a matter of considerable regret and concern if, on a rare occasion, a patient develops a significant complication following their surgery. This matter is always taken seriously and procedures and practices are independently reviewed to ensure that potential risks are reduced to a minimum.
“We are pleased that in this particular case we have come to a settlement that will allow Mr H and his family to receive appropriate financial support to enable him to continue in employment and secure a future for his family.”
Mr H initially underwent surgery at the hospital for a prolapsed disc in June 2005, the statement from Blake Lapthorn said. Afterwards his symptoms did not improve and he began to suffer pins and needles, reduced sensation in his penis and difficulty urinating.
After a course of physiotherapy, Mr H underwent a second operation in January 2007 and while his back pain improved he was left with problems with bladder and bowel function.
When a further operation was suggested, Mr H sought a second opinion and was advised it could make things worse.
Mr H alleged he was left with both bladder and bowel incontinence, erectile dysfunction and numbness and weakness in his left leg as a result of the hospital failing to spot and treat his post-operative complications.
Kym Provan, Mr H’s solicitor, said: “The settlement will allow Mr H to work within his physical capabilities, most likely for significantly fewer hours.
“The family will be able to pay for help around the home where needed so they can begin to enjoy their family life together again.”
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for King's Lynn
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 26 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North
