£825,000 for negligent delays leading to amputations

A, a 79 year old woman at the date of settlement, had suffered for many years with persistent formation of bile duct stones.

Despite strong indications that surgical treatment was required in the form of biliary bypass, she was never properly advised of that option, and instead was simply given multiple repeat ERCPs (endoscopic removal of the stones). Eventually she suffered an episode of ascending cholangitis which led to life-threatening sepsis.

The defendant hospital trust sought to defend the case on the basis that conservative treatment had been justified, but the claim ultimately settled out of court four months before trial.

The settlement will allow A to adapt her home so it is suitable for her needs as a wheelchair user, and will provide her with necessary equipment and care to improve her quality of life.