The number of medical negligence cases against the NHS has risen steadily year after year. In this article, we’re going to be looking at four shocking stories of medical negligence in the Bristol area.
Bristol GPs and hospitals have dealt with a number of shocking cases in recent years resulting in the use of medical negligence solicitors in Bristol. In some shocking cases victims have been left with life-changing consequences.
There are 18 hospitals and clinics in Bristol and 53 GP practices serving the region’s population of around 467,099 people. The area has been subject to a disproportionate number of medical negligence claims, including several cases against the same surgeon.
In this article, we’re sharing four stories of medical negligence in the Bristol area.
The mesh implants case – 2018
A considerable number of patients – estimated to be in the dozens – have filed legal complaints against colorectal surgeon Tony Dixon, a consultant at NHS Southmead Hospital and Spire Bristol Hospital following botched mesh implants.
Colorectal surgery is performed to treat a number of health problems with the gastrointestinal tract, rectum, anus and colon. This often involves the use of a surgical mesh – a substance made from polymers or biological material which creates a screen to reinforce tissue or bone.
Complaints were raised against Dr Dixon by patients, including 41-year-old Bristol resident, Avril, who stated that she experienced ‘excruciating pain and sickness’ following surgery. It was later discovered that this was a result of the mesh becoming wrapped around her bowel.
The case against Tony Dixon is ongoing and, while there are currently 100 legal cases going through the courts, it’s thought that the original number of complaints was 203.
The coil case – 2019
A particularly shocking case of medical negligence in Bristol began all the way back in 1989 when Jayne Huddleston had a contraceptive coil fitted – a common procedure which many find more convenient than taking the daily contraceptive pill.
During an appointment the following year, Jayne was told that the device had fallen out and so a second one was fitted. When Jayne and her husband, David, decided to start a family around two years later, the second device was removed but, unbeknownst to the couple, the first coil had not in fact fallen out and remained inside her.
After embarking on years of invasive, expensive – and unsuccessful – IVF treatment, the existence of the first coil was not discovered until 2019 during a routine GP appointment for recurring back pain. After securing the services of a medical negligence solicitor, the Huddleston’s received a six-figure settlement against the GP practice involved.
The missed diagnosis case – 2021
In 2020, 49-year-old David Hulme experienced a number of health issues which unfortunately resulted in the removal of one of his lungs which was subsequently tested by a Bristol hospital and diagnosed with Sarcoidosis; a condition which causes lungs to become red and inflamed.
Unfortunately, what the hospital failed to spot was that David was also suffering from cancer and this remained undetected until January 2021. Although David completed a round of chemotherapy, this diagnosis of lymphoma came way too late and he died just one month after the cancer was diagnosed.
His wife, Sarah, has since sought legal representation as well as campaigning to prevent the same thing from happening to other families.
The Sepsis case – 2022
In 2022, beloved mother and grandmother, Tina Hughes, died in Sandwell General Hospital after delays in diagnosing and treating the deadly disease Sepsis. Sepsis is an extreme response to an infection and kills around 48,000 people in the UK every year.
Despite paramedics making hospital staff aware of Tina’s condition, devastating delays meant that she did not receive the treatment that she needed and, subsequently, sadly passed away. Tina’s family have enlisted the help of a medical negligence solicitor in a bid to ensure that other families don’t suffer the same experience.
In the meantime, the Hospital Trust has begun its own internal investigation into Tina’s death, saying, “Understandably the family have a number of concerns about the events that unfolded in the lead up to Tina’s death. We’re now investigating these further to provide the family with all of the answers they deserve”.
Legal help and support after experiencing medical negligence…
When visiting a GP, hospital or clinic, it’s reasonable to assume that you will receive the best possible care and treatment. When that doesn’t happen, it can be extremely traumatic, sometimes resulting in life changing conditions or even death. You are within your rights to seek a second opinion if you feel that a diagnosis has been missed or made incorrectly or if you have experienced neglect from a health professional.
Please be advised that this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for advice from a trained medical professional. Be sure to consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you’re seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. We are not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information on this site.
