Patients affected by heart valve surgery infection
PATIENTS AFFECTED BY HEART VALVE SURGERY INFECTION
Nationally recognised law firm Freeth Cartwright LLP is acting for patients who contracted a serious infection following surgery to fit prosthetic heart valves. An investigation was commenced by the local hospital trust following five deaths at the City Hospital’s Trent Cardiac Centre. The hospital contacted patients who had surgery between December 2008 and July 2009 when the cluster of cases came to light. The same surgeon operated on all of the affected patients and was stopped from performing surgery. The surgeon was colonised with the infection but unaware at the time.
Following the investigation the Trust have now accepted that a number of opportunities were missed to identify the outbreak. As such, some of the infections could have been avoided by earlier recognition and earlier intervention on the part of the Trent Cardiac Centre. Sadly, five patients died and eight patients needed a second operation for a replacement valve.
Julie Hardy, Partner with Freeth Cartwright LLP Solicitors said “In view of the inquiry’s findings, we are keen to work with the Trust and their legal representatives to ensure that our clients are properly compensated. We are confident that this can be achieved without the need for litigation as we are keen to avoid further distress to our clients.”
Contact Julie Hardy, Partner
Freeth Cartwright LLP
Cumberland Court
80 Mount Street
Nottingham NG1 6HH
Tel: 0845 050 3279
Notes:
1. Freeth Cartwright LLP are specialist Clinical Negligence solicitors with wide experience of dealing with group actions.
2. Julie Hardy is regarded by Chambers as “a leader in the field of Clinical Negligence”.
ends - 9 September 2010