Medical Negligence Lawyers Support Woman Sent Home From Hospital With 'Red Flag' Symptoms

A mum diagnosed with a debilitating spinal condition after twice being sent home from hospital with “red flag” symptoms has launched legal action. 

Hayley Combe twice attended A&E at King’s Mill Hospital in Sutton-in-Ashfield concerned of symptoms including severe back pain, difficulty in mobilising, pins and needles and numbness in her legs and an urge to wee more frequently. 

On her first visit on 23 July, 2021, the then 36-year-old was referred to the hospital’s ‘majors’ unit to rule out a potential diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome.

However, following two assessments by junior doctors, Hayley, of Nottingham, was sent home with painkillers and told to arrange an MRI scan via her GP. 

Scan showed severe spinal cord compression

On 3 August, 2021, Hayley had an MRI scan organised by her GP, where she was told that the scan was showing severe compression on her spinal cord. 

The following day, the mum-of-three attended King’s Mill Hospital after contacting her GP again concerned about her symptoms which also included a loss of sensation and weakness in both legs. Her GP spoke to the hospital and she was advised to re-attend King’s Mill Hospital.  

Hayley, who was having to use crutches, told her legal team at Irwin Mitchell that she had asked to be kept in hospital until the formal results of the MRI scan were known. However, she said she was not allowed because of the risk of contracting covid and that she was told that it was unlikely to be an acute problem, so she was sent home. 

Mum Hayley required urgent surgery after cauda equina syndrome diagnosis

After Hayley was sent home the scan results came back showing acute cauda equina syndrome, requiring an urgent referral for surgery. 

The following day Hayley’s GP referred to her to a different hospital. She was admitted to and underwent emergency decompression surgery on 6 August, 2021. 

Now aged 40, Hayley has been left with life-changing injuries, including ongoing pain and numbness in her left leg, a permanent left foot drop requiring a splint, impaired mobility as well as significant bladder and bowel problems.

Medical negligence lawyers asked to investigate Hayley's King's Mill Hospital care

She has now instructed expert medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help her access the ongoing specialist rehabilitation and therapies she requires.

The legal experts have launched legal action against Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which runs, King’s Mill Hospital. 

Julianne Moore is the specialist medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Hayley. 

Expert Opinion

“Cauda equina syndrome is an incredibly serious condition that occurs when the nerves at the bottom of the spinal cord are compressed.

“It should be classed as a medical emergency as it can lead to life-changing health problems.

“What Hayley has gone through has not only been incredibly traumatic for her but also her family. The first-hand account we’ve heard from Hayley, in particularly how she twice attended hospital with red flag symptoms of the condition, is particularly worrying.

“Nothing can make up for what she’s been through, but we’re determined to provide Hayley with the answers and access to specialist rehab she deserves.

“In the meantime, we join her in warning of the dangers of cauda equina syndrome and how vital early detection and treatment is.” Julianne Moore

Cauda equina syndrome: Hayley Combe's story

Following her decompression surgery, Hayley, spent nine days in hospital. 

Her condition means she has had to move to a job closer to home. She is now an admin lead for a child and adolescent mental health service and can work more flexible hours.

Her condition also means she struggles to join in with family activities such as visiting National Trust properties or going on family walks.

Hayley is sharing her story as part of Cauda Equina Awareness Day which is on 16 October.

Hayley reveals life-changing consequences of debilitating spinal condition

She said: “I’d been suffering from increasing pain which was a bit concerning but I was able to manage. However, then one day both my legs went numb while out shopping.

“From them on I never imagined that seeking help for my back pain would lead to such a dramatic change in my life. 

“Deep down I knew something wasn’t right but both times I went to hospital it felt like the doctors weren’t too concerned. In the days before my second visit my legs had started giving way and I was using crutches to get around. Even at that stage and after asking if I could remain in hospital until my MRI results were known, I was sent home.  

“Hours later to be told I had cauda equina syndrome and I needed urgent surgery was devastating. 

“I can’t thank enough the doctors who performed my decompression surgery but I now live with constant pain. I’ve had to adapt to new limitations, both physically and emotionally. 

“My independence has been affected and I rely on aids and support to manage daily life. Even things many people take for granted such as playing with the kids and going out to work are a challenge. 

“I know I can’t change what’s happened but the least I feel I deserve is answers. I want to know whether more could have done to diagnose my condition sooner, and if so, would an earlier diagnosis have prevented the issues I now have to live with?”

What are the symptoms of cauda equina syndrome and what support is available

Symptoms of cauda equina syndrome include lower back pain, weakness, numbness or pain down one or both legs, loss of feeling between the legs, bladder and bowel issues, numbness or tingling around the bottom and sexual dysfunction. 

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting patients diagnosed with cauda equina syndrome at our dedicated cauda equina claims section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.

More information on the condition is also available on the website of the charity Cauda Equina Champions.