Stephanie Prior, Partner
Email Stephanie
The partner of a man who went into hospital for a routine left total hip replacement has been awarded compensation of £25,000. On 1st February 2008 Mr D underwent a left total hip replacement at Guy’s & St Thomas’ Hospital.
As D had a history of vascular disease, pneumonia and emphysema he was unable to undergo a general anaesthetic and was therefore given an epidural in advance of the procedure. The epidural was removed on 2nd February 2008 and after this D began to experience pain in his left leg but presumed this was as a result of the hip replacement. He was seen by physiotherapists and nursing staff and told them that he was in a lot of pain and that his heels were extremely sore. His complaint was not investigated further and it was not until 5th February 2008 that he was transferred on to a pressure relieving mattress.
Despite this, he went on to develop Grade IV pressure sores on his heels and suffered nine months of severe pain and his mobility was severely restricted. He was unable to do anything for himself and became heavily reliant upon his partner who assisted him with his general personal hygiene such as washing, dressing and undressing as well as preparing all of his meals for him and taking care of all the household chores. D was unable to drive and suffered the indignity of not being able to care for himself and became very depressed. He was prescribed strong painkillers and antidepressants.
After nine months D was able to walk short distances and would try to get out when he could. Sadly on 15th March 2009 D passed away aged 69 his death was unrelated to his claim.
Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Trust admitted breach of duty for failing to provide pressure relieving devices immediately post operatively but deny that any physiotherapy and nursing staff were negligent in failing to inspect D’s pressure areas or recognise that D was developing pressure sores. After negotiations, D’s claim settled in the sum of £25,000.
For further information email Stephanie Prior or call 020 7940 4000.
