The BBC have reported on the case of Mark Thomas, aged 20, whom developed meningitis following an ear infection in 2002.
The ear infection lead to further complications and his family rushed him to Walsall manor hospital where blood tests were taken. Mr Thomas was sent home and his test results were not reviewed for 5 days; even on review of the test results he was not called back for treatment.
Mr Thomas later developed pneumococcal meningitis and by the time he was diagnosed he had already suffered neurological injury.
Medical expert’s have confirmed that if the results had been reviewed and acted upon promptly then he could have received the appropriate antibiotic treatment and would not have suffered brain damage.
Mr Thomas can no longer be left alone as he is a ‘danger to himself’ and his family are extremely upset that he will no longer be able to pursue his ambitions.
The monetary award is to be invested in to a trust for Mr Thomas’ future care costs.
It is a sad story that such a young gentleman has lost the opportunity to pursue his life ambitions to the full due to the medical negligence of the NHS trust.
Whilst the substantial award will definitely ease the burdens of costs of care for the family it does not make up for the material aspects that Mr Thomas has lost out on and unfortunately these will never be compensated.
If you have suffered injury due to the negligence of a hospital you may be entitled to bring a medical negligence claim for compensation.
