Failure to detect spinal abscesses leads to tetraplegia
Mrs Thomas (now aged 73) was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for a total hip replacement in November 2003. During the first half of 2004 she started to experience pains in her hip which gradually became worse to the extent she could not weight bear.
By 21.08.04, Mrs Thomas could barely move and she was admitted to hospital by ambulance. By 23.08.04 the pain had spread to her neck and by 24.08.04 her right arm started to feel weak. Tests confirmed she had MRSA and she was moved to an isolation ward. Mrs Thomas continued to experience weakness and pain and informed medical staff of this, however the nursing staff failed to raise the problems of reduced power in Mrs Thomas’ arm and leg to the doctors. By 02.09.04, Mrs Thomas had lost complete sensation in her arms and legs and was transferred to intensive care. An MRI scan was performed which revealed spinal abscesses causing cord compression.
An operation was performed to reduce the pressure on Mrs Thomas’ spine. Unfortunately the procedure was not successful. Mrs Thomas now has tetraplegia. She has no movement in her lower body and only 15% function of her right arm. She had to live in a care home because she could no longer take care of herself
Evidence was obtained confirming that there was a delay in diagnosing and operating. With earlier treatment, Mrs Thomas would not have developed tetraplegia and would have recovered from the procedure and lived independently.
Mrs Thomas recovered £900,000 lump sum plus annual periodical payments of £176,000 for life from the Defendant. The settlement will make a huge difference to Mrs Thomas’ life, enabling her to buy and adapt a bungalow and employ a team of carers to provide her with care for the rest of her life.
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