Sue, 71 years old, Manchester

With JMW's help a woman has received £19,000 compensation after doctors did not inform her of vital medical information which delayed her having a hysterectomy at an earlier stage.

After complaining of vaginal bleeding, Sue underwent a hysteroscopy to remove a uterine polyp. She had previously had a number of similar polyps successfully removed by D&C.

Sue was not informed of the results of the histological examination of the polyp, and as her bleeding had settled she was discharged. She was well for the next two years before the bleeding started again. She was referred to a different gynaecologist who, on reading her medical records, discovered that the histology report from the hysteroscopy - which had been overlooked until then - had shown abnormal changes, which should have led Sue to undergoing a hysterectomy.

Issues following the original surgery

Sue was advised to undergo a total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of uterus, tubes and ovaries) because in the interim she had developed Stage 1C endometrial cancer. She also required a six-week course of radiotherapy.

The hospital acknowledged that an oversight had occurred and Sue received a personal apology from the original gynaecologist.

Long-term

Although on the balance of probabilities (i.e. more likely than not), Sue is now cured of the cancer. She suffers from chronic tiredness and a reduction in her immunity due mainly to the radiotherapy treatment, which would not have been necessary had she had the surgery two years earlier.

Sue has a small chance of relapse in the future, and as a result this would have been a suitable case in which to claim provisional damages (where a claimant is permitted to reopen the case in the future in the event of a relapse). However, Sue opted to settle her case on a "once and for all" basis and, following negotiation, her claim settled for £19,000.

If you have suffered lasting injury or ill effects due to negligence, find out more about claiming compensation by calling us on 0345 872 6666 or by filling out our online contact form.