THE TYPE OF CASE WE DO

Aged 48 Mrs E underwent vaginal hysterectomy.

Mrs E was treated with prophylactic anti coagulation therapy although not antibiotics.

Mrs E's initial recovery was good and she was discharged from hospital without concern.

A week later Mrs E was readmitted with pelvic infection.

Mrs E was treated with antibiotics however not anti coagulation therapy.

Mrs E complained of shortness of breath whilst in hospital. No action was taken.

Four days after complaining of shortness of breath Mrs E collapsed and died from a pulmonary embolus.

Two allegations were made.

Firstly that the failure to administer prophylactic antibiotics was unacceptable.

Secondly that Mrs E should have been investigated when she reported shortness of breath.

It was argued that prophylactic antibiotics would have avoided Mrs E's infection and subsequent pulmonary embolus.

Also that had Mrs E's shortness of breath been investigated her subsequent fatal pulmonary embolus would have been avoided.

Compensation was agreed at £55,000 without admission of liability.