Irwin Mitchell’s specialist medical negligence team in Leeds has assisted a woman to obtain compensation after her contraceptive implant was wrongly inserted.
In September 2008, Jessica, 31, attended her GP to have the Implanon contraceptive implant inserted into her left arm. She booked a subsequent follow up appointment for its removal in 2011.
In April 2011, she attended her GP for the routine removal of the Implanon, 5 months before it was required for contraceptive reasons. She wished for it to be removed at this time as she was unhappy with her bleeding pattern and was planning to start a family later that year. However, the attempt at removing the Implanon was unsuccessful.
It was thought the difficulty removing the Implanon was due to a slightly deep insertion. It was felt that the best option for the removal of Jessica’s Implanon would be to refer her to the gynaecology department at Harrogate District Hospital (HDH).
Jessica’s Implanon device was finally removed on 15th June 2011 at HDH under local anaesthetic. On examination, it was found to be in situ over the anterior aspect of Jessica’s upper arm as opposed to the medial aspect where it should have been inserted. There was a visible scar from the previous attempt at removal by her GP.
The removal of the Implanon was thankfully without complication, but due to its incorrect insertion Jessica required an extra procedure than usually necessary for its removal and was left with a permanent scar on a very visible area of her body.
Following the removal of the implant, Jessica had to rely on her husband for assistance with a variety of everyday tasks, such as washing and dressing, as a result of the pain in her arm.
Lucy Cannon of the Clinical Negligence Team at Irwin Mitchell in Leeds represented Jessica. Following negotiations £5,356.21 was secured by way of compensation to reflect her pain and suffering and the permanent scarring she has suffered as a result of negligence.
If you or a loved one has suffered as a result of negligent gynaecological care, we may be able to help you claim compensation. See our Medical Negligence Guide for more information.
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