THE TYPE OF CASE WE DO

£65,000 for inadequate care received which led to Grade 5 pressure sores developing, which later resulted in below-the-knee amputations on both legs.

Additionally, the hospital staff's failure to acknowledge pre-existing conditions resulted in a fractured humerus and permanent blindness.

Aged 55 W was admitted to hospital following a suspected head injury. A CT scan was carried out showing that W had suffered a bilateral subdural haematoma.

W's condition was inadequately catered for by hospital staff which resulted in W falling over and suffering a fractured humerus in addition to losing his sight.

W spent 4 weeks in hospital before he was discharged. Shortly after, W was re-admitted to hospital due to a variety of symptoms including uncontrolled blood glucose levels, and hypotension.

On admission, hospital staff unsatisfactorily acknowledged and recorded that W was at a very high risk of pressure sore development.

W remained in hospital for approximately one month during which time he developed a necrotic pressure sore on his right foot. As only basic nursing notes had been taken, W was discharged from hospital with dressings but no further treatment.

Following ongoing consultations with community nurses, W's right foot became increasingly infected and gangrenous culminating in W being admitted in August 2003 and underwent a below the knee amputation.

Due to complications W's right leg failed to heal which led to an above the knee amputation.

During the recovery period, no further attention was placed on W's likelihood of pressure sore development which led to a pressure sore developing on his left foot.

W's foot went on to deteriorate resulting in another amputation above the knee.

It was W's case that he should have received satisfactory care from the hospital and that his pre-existing medical conditions should have been examined. Further, he should have received earlier intervention and preventative treatment following the development of the pressure sores.

It was W's case that had his pre-existing condition of vascular disease have been taken into account during his initial admission then he would have had more frequent observations which would have highlighted that he was suffering from numerable strokes. Had this been highlighted then he would have received appropriate treatment. Had he received appropriate treatment he would not have fallen out of bed and broken his humerus and lost his sight. Additionally, had satisfactory nursing records been taken then the hospital would have acknowledged W's increased risk of pressure sore development which would have been treated appropriated.

had he received adequate treatment then he would have been operated on sooner, which would not have resulted in an amputation.

It was also W's case that had his right foot been successfully operated on then there he would not have been bedridden for several weeks recovering from the amputation and the likelihood of developing additional problems on his left foot would have been greatly reduced. Had he not developed a pressure sore on his left foot then he would not have required reconstructive surgery.

Liability remained in dispute but compensation was agreed at £65,000.