Woman receives pay out after catalogue of errors
In March 2007 Veronica was diagnosed with angina. Following an investigation it was confirmed that she was suffering from coronary artery disease. She underwent routine surgery to treat the problem in April 2007.
Following the operation Veronica was very confused and put on a ventilator. She later developed an infection in her lungs which required a further operation. After the second operation Veronica developed a pressure sore on her bottom which continued to increase in size. She also began to experience a pain in her right foot which travelled up her leg. Veronica was discharged from hospital some weeks later.
Over the next 3 months Veronica continued to experience weakness in her right ankle which limited her mobility and she had severe discomfort when sitting due to the scarring from the pressure sore.
It was found that the hospital had failed to prevent a pressure sore developing and to monitor and treat the pressure sore in line with the recommended guidelines. Additionally, it was found that Veronica’s foot drop was caused whilst she was in the intensive care unit, as the hospital had failed to ensure that her legs were uncrossed for long periods of time at her ankles, which contributed to the nerve damage in her right foot.
With thanks to Zoe Brodrick, Veronica received £150,000 in an out of court settlement.