Medical negligence news

Meningitis teenager's family seeking damages from Derbyshire out-of-hours service

The family of a teenager who was left fighting for her life with meningitis days after being told she had swine flu is seeking compensation for clinical negligence.

Gemma Drury (17) is now back at her Brimington home after five weeks in Rotherham District Hospital battling the life-threatening brain infection.

She was initially diagnosed with swine flu over the phone, and again by a visiting out-of-hours doctor, before being treated for the virus at Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

The teenager was discharged but her condition deteriorated and she returned the following day when doctors diagnosed meningitis and admitted her to critical care.

Gemma, an A-level pupil at Netherthorpe School, in Staveley, said: "My head was so bad and I was throwing up violently. I knew there was something seriously wrong with me – I didn't think it was swine flu.
"I'm angry about how I was treated.

"I'm feeling better but my knees and legs are still quite weak. I'm lucky I haven't lost any limbs."

The family has lodged complaints with Derbyshire Health United, which runs the county's out-of-hours service, East Midlands Ambulance Service, and Chesterfield Royal Hospital, and has appointed a solicitor to pursue a claim for clinical negligence.

Mum Dawn Allen (41) said: "Gemma shouldn't have suffered like that. She's lucky to come out of it."

She said her daughter's concentration, memory and speech had been affected, adding: "We hope she'll pick up a bit more because she's back at home now around her family and friends."

A spokesman for Chesterfield Royal Hospital said Gemma's symptoms had been fully consistent with the swine flu diagnosis and she had responded well to treatment.

She added: "Knowing what we know now, she was in fact suffering from the early effects of pneumococcal meningitis.

"We have been informed that a claim for clinical negligence will be brought, but we feel the treatment and advice given to Gemma was appropriate given her 'clinical picture' at the time."

William Jones, Chief Executive of Derbyshire Health United said: "Derbyshire Health United is always concerned to hear about any dissatisfaction with any aspect of the services we provide. All complaints are taken very seriously and are rigorously investigated.

"We are unable to discuss individual cases but we will co-operate fully with any requests from the family for a meeting to discuss the complaint."

Created: 24/08/2009
Categories: Meningitis