Hospital admits negligence after failures to review patient

This case was brought by the surviving husband of a 68-year-old woman, who sadly died following a failed stenting procedure. Our team, led by Associate Alice Folliss and Paralegal Lorcan Young supported the family, investigating the circumstances and guiding them through the legal process at a deeply distressing time.

What you’ll find in this case study:

• Overview of the patient’s diagnosis and details of the stenting attempt.
• A breakdown of care failures.
• Details of the legal investigation, led by Associate Alice Folliss and Paralegal Lorcan Young.
• Emotional impact on the family, particularly the loss of opportunity to say goodbye and the husband’s ongoing grief.
• How the claim was resolved through an out-of-court settlement despite the defendant denying causation.

Background

The patient was diagnosed with Superior Mesenteric Artery (SMA). Initially, a stenting procedure was deemed too high risk, however as her condition worsened, it was agreed that she would undergo the procedure.

Unfortunately, the procedure failed. The patient was transferred to a ward and informed a CT scan would be needed over the weekend. The patient received no vascular input over the weekend, nor was the planned CT scan performed.

In the minimal nursing notes over the weekend, it was shown that the patient’s oxygen levels and NEWS (National Early Warning Score) had started to increase. She was in pain over the weekend.

Her condition rapidly deteriorated the following week. A cardiac arrest call was made due to unrecordable blood pressure and signs of severe metabolic acidosis. Sadly, it was agreed that the patient would move to palliative care only. Anticipatory medications were started and the patient passed away.

The case

The case was conducted by Associate, Alice Folliss, and Paralegal, Lorcan Young.

The hospital admitted that they failed to update their vascular lists over the weekend, which meant the patient went without appropriate medical review for a period of 4 days.

The defendant trust admitted they had breached their duty of care owed to the deceased. The defendant issued an apology to the family, and acknowledged that this was unacceptable and recognised that the patient did not receive the care she deserved over those days.

Impact on the family and case outcome

The negligence had a profound emotional impact on the patient’s family. In particular, they were deprived of the opportunity to say goodbye before she died. The surviving husband continues to struggle with grief to this day.

Despite the Defendant denying causation, the case was resolved through an out of court settlement.

If you have concerns about a loved one’s care, speak to our specialists now.