Delayed Osteoporosis Treatment Results in £15,000 Settlement

The incident 

Our client, a 74-year-old retiree with a history of osteoporosis, had been receiving treatment at Kettering General Hospital over the years. 

In 2019, after sustaining a knee fracture, she underwent a DXA scan at Royal Derby Hospital, which confirmed osteoporosis. She was referred to the osteoporosis clinic, where Dr. Lee planned to start her on a two-year course of Teriparatide injections. However, Dr. Lee needed her previous treatment records from Kettering General Hospital before proceeding. 

Unfortunately, despite requesting the records, there was no response or follow-up. As a result, her treatment plan was left incomplete. 

Three years later, in 2022, her GP referred her back to the Royal Derby Hospital osteoporosis clinic. Dr. Srivastava, who had replaced Dr. Lee, acknowledged the delay in follow-up, compounded by the Covid-19 pandemic. They confirmed that Dr. Lee’s request for records from Kettering General Hospital had never been fulfilled. 

In early 2023, Dr. Srivastava restarted the process, planning to begin the Teriparatide injections. Our client attended a nurse-led clinic to learn how to administer the daily injections. 

The impact 

The significant delay in treatment left our client at an increased risk of fractures. Teriparatide injections typically take two years to reduce the risk of bone and spinal fractures. The delay not only heightened her risk of injury but also caused her considerable anxiety and distress. 

Day-to-day activities became a source of concern, as she had to be exceptionally cautious to avoid injury, impacting her quality of life. 

The case

Seeking justice for the delay in her treatment, our client turned to Fletchers Solicitors. Trainee CILEX Lawyer Charlotte Watson took on her case. 

The defendants admitted: 

• A failure to ensure her records were received in a timely manner. 

• A failure to arrange the Teriparatide injections sooner. 

• That she was lost to follow-up. 

The outcome 

Charlotte Watson successfully negotiated a £15,000 settlement for our client, recognising the impact of the delayed treatment and its consequences on her life.