Failure To Give Medication Led To Pulmonary Embolism
The Injury
Mr P was diagnosed with a stomach hernia in 2017, and it was removed a few months later. Following his surgery, he developed a lump on his stomach which got larger. He visited his GP and was advised that he had developed a groin hernia and would require surgery.
Mr P waited for 2 years before having surgery to remove the groin hernia in November 2022. The surgery took 4 hours, and Mr P was informed that it was more complicated than anticipated but was not told why.
In the days following his surgery, Mr P suffered severe pain including swelling of his scrotum and was given morphine for pain management, but it did not help. He asked to see his consultant but was told that he was not on their rota to be seen.
Mr P was discharged from the hospital without a dressing on the wound on his abdomen and there was no plan for a follow-up appointment. He had not been seen by his doctor since his operation.
Represented by Kirsty Dakin,a Specialist Medical Negligence Solicitor at MDS, the case was settled after liability was admitted by the relevant Trust.
KIRSTY DAKIN said – This case concluded in a swift manner due to the Trust’s early admission of liability. We welcome collaboration with the other side and acknowledgment when something has gone wrong to ensure our client receives the compensation they deserve and that they are not unnecessarily put through a long litigation process.
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What Happened to Our Client?
A couple of days after he went home, Mr P woke and found that his bed was soaked with clear fluid and blood from his abdomen wound. He was also short of breath and dizzy. He visited his GP and had a blood test, which showed clotting. Mr P was advised to go to the A&E for urgent care.
In A&E, Mr P was told that he had a pulmonary embolism, which is a condition where a blood clot travels to the lungs and blocks the blood vessels, restricting blood flow to the lungs. This causes low oxygen levels and potential life-threatening complications. He was discharged with blood thinner medication, which he had to take every day for 4 months.
Mr P was bedridden until December 2022. The clear fluid continued to leak out of his wound, and he was informed by his GP that the wound had become infected and would need to be dressed for the next 6 weeks.
Until Christmas 2022, Mr P’s wife had to assist with personal care and chores as Mr P was still in pain. Around 4 months after the original surgery, Mr P noticed another lump around the wound site and tried to get an appointment with his GP but could not.
He received a call from a surgeon at the Princess Royal Hospital and was informed that they were investigating how the pulmonary embolism happened. He informed the surgeon that a lump had begun to form on his abdomen at the wound site and was given a date for a face-to-face appointment.
During the appointment, Mr P was informed that his wound care at the Princess Royal Hospital had been very poor and that it had not helped him that he had not been given blood thinners. He was sent for a CT scan and was due to have an appointment with the consultant regarding the results of the scan, but it was cancelled, and he was never given the results of the scan.
Mr P continued to suffer with the large lump on his abdomen coupled with hard scarring under the belly button. He still experiences shortness of breath, difficulty exercising and frequent fatigue.
Concerned about medical negligence in relation to a surgical procedure that you or a loved one has had?
How can MDS help you?
While no amount of compensation will ever be enough for your or a family member’s suffering, if you or a loved one has been affected by healthcare negligence, we can help you through the legal process for investigating your concerns against a healthcare professional and your negligence claim if there is one.
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The Outcome of the Case
An internal investigation was undertaken by the hospital into the care that Mr P received during the surgery to repair the hernia in November 2022. It was noted in the outcome of the investigation that there was no evidence that Mr P had been seen by the surgical team after his surgery.
It was also noted that he should have been given blood thinning medication after the surgery to reduce the risk of a blood clot and pulmonary embolism.
We were instructed to investigate a claim for medical negligence on Mr P’s behalf. The investigation highlighted important facts and circumstances leading to Mr P’s sub-standard care received following his surgery. Based on evidence provided, analysed and fact finding, it was revealed that had Mr P received proper medication to prevent a pulmonary embolism it would not have occurred.
The hospital made an early admission of liability, and we negotiated a settlement on Mr P’s behalf. Compensation was paid to Mr P.
Disclaimer
Whilst our case studies are designed to give an indication of the outcomes that can be achieved in these circumstances, the compensation awarded in individual cases can vary significantly due to a range of factors, including the severity of injury, effects on life expectancy and financial impact, for example. For more information, contact us today.
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