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YOUNG ADULT/CHILD; MENINGITIS; BRAIN INJURY;
£5,750,000 FOLLOWING SEVERE BRAIN INJURY DUE TO DELAY IN TREATMENT OF BACTERIAL MENINGITIS.
W V (1) DR K (2) Dr H (3) DR A (4) SOUTHAMPTON UNIVERSITY NHS TRUST (2004)
Aged 16 W developed a bad headache and became violently sick. His condition deteriorated over three days during which he attended GPs on five occasions and was diagnosed as suffering from flu.
On the fourth day W was admitted to hospital. A diagnosis of viral meningitis was made. Following lumbar puncture he diagnosis was changed to that of bacterial meningitis and intravenous antibiotics commenced.
On the third day after admission to hospital the bacteria were identified as meningococcal and the antibiotic changed.
As a result of brain stem swelling W was rendered tetraplegic.
He required a tracheostomy and artificial ventilation at night to breath, was unable to control his bowels or bladder, suffered from involuntary movement of his arms and legs, and would never be able to walk or stand.
BREACH OF DUTY
It was W's case that there was an unacceptable delay in his being referred to hospital and on arriving at hospital an unacceptable delay in identifying and treating his meningitis.
CAUSATION
It was W's case that earlier referral and prompt diagnosis and treatment would have avoided his brain stem injury leading to full recovery.
OUTCOME
The hospital accepted liability for the delay in diagnosis and treatment accepting that even though W was admitted having suffered for over three days he would have made a good recovery had he been promptly properly treated.
Compensation was agreed at £5,750,000
