Hope For Lessons To Be Learned After NHS Trust Admits Liability

A woman who lives in constant pain and is fed nutrients directly into her blood stream after she suffered complications following keyhole surgery, has called for lessons to be learned after a NHS Trust admitted failings in her care.

Mandy Owen was known to have a complex medical history as a result of a number of gynaecological operations performed through her life. Doctors at University Hospital Birmingham informed her in May 2015 that she would require surgery for the removal of a kidney and her ureter.

The 54 year-old of Bartley Green, Birmingham, underwent surgery that month. However, following the procedure, her condition deteriorated and she suffered a range of complications including a tear to a blood vessel and issues with the blood supply reaching her small bowel, pancreas and spleen.

After a host of operations she was eventually discharged five months later in September 2015 but has been left in agony since. She continues to require intravenous feeding and has also been psychologically scarred by the trauma she has endured. Her life expectancy has been reduced as a result of her complications.

Mandy instructed specialist medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate her care. Now, after the legal experts secured an admission of liability and a substantial undisclosed settlement from the University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Mandy has revealed her hope that lessons will be learned.

The settlement is made up of a lump sum and annual payments to ensure that she is able to access the care and therapies which she now requires.

Expert Opinion

“Mandy has faced an incredibly difficult few years as a result of the complications she endured and it is likely that her pain and suffering will now continue for the rest of her shortened life.

“The admission of liability and settlement means that Mandy can access the vital support she requires to get the best from life.

“While nothing can make up for what has happened, it is imperative that the Trust learns lessons from the failings identified in Mandy’s care so other patients don’t have to suffer the pain and hurt she has.” Jade Elliott-Archer - Associate Solicitor

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Mandy was admitted to hospital on 18 May, 2015. When her condition deteriorated after the initial operation, she went back to theatre and a tear was found in a blood vessel linked to her small intestine. During the surgery, it was also noted that her bowel appeared ‘dusky’.

Following the procedure she was taken to intensive care but her condition continued to worsen. A CT scan highlighted that a vein and artery were blocked, while her small bowel was swollen and there were signs of an obstruction of blood to her spleen and pancreas. She then required two further procedures and during the post-operative period needed fluid draining from her abdomen.

Mandy has been unwell ever since she was discharged, as she has no small bowel so requires a tube to drain the contents of her stomach into a bag. In addition, she also has an abdominal fistula which leaks fluid into another bag.

She said: “The past few years have been incredibly difficult for me and I am now in significant pain every single day.  Not only do I still require intravenous feeding but I’ve had a host of other complications including infections related to the intravenous tube and other abdominal issues which have resulted in repeated admissions to hospital.

“The problems I have faced following the surgery have completely destroyed my life. I am in a state of constant agony, I am unable to work, I require so much help from family and friends and this is also expected to affect my life expectancy.

“While nothing will change what has happened to me, I just hope that by speaking out, that the same mistakes that happened to me are not repeated. I wouldn’t wish what has happened to me on anyone.”