In April 2015, at the Luton and Dunstable University Hospital, the Claimant delivered a baby girl. The placenta was inspected post delivery and the midwife queried whether it was complete; a doctor then noted that the placenta was complete and the Claimant was discharged home.
Eight days later the Claimant was readmitted to Hospital having suffered a PV bleed. She underwent ultrasound scans of the uterus which confirmed the presence of retained products of conception. She was then discharged home with antibiotics.
The following day the Claimant suffered a significant post partum haemorrhage secondary to retained products of conception. She was transferred to theatre for a Bakri Balloon to be inserted to stop the bleeding and for evacuation of retained products.
She was admitted to Intensive Care following the operation where she remained for 4 days.
Following discharge apologies were made for ‘lapses in care’.
The Claimant was very traumatised and distressed by the experience and as a result was referred for counselling. The NHS therapist diagnosed PTSD which the Claimant subsequently received treatment for.
The NHS funded treatment completed in January 2016 but did not alleviate her symptoms.
The Claimant was able to continue working despite the PTSD, the main impact being on her relationship with her significant other.
Following a Letter of Claim being sent the Defendant initially denied all allegations of negligence. Following a rebuttal letter pointing out the flaws in their arguments liability was admitted in full.
We then agreed an interim payment to enable the Claimant to begin treatment for her PTSD.
The Defendant then made an offer to settle the case for £30,000 which was accepted.
Steevi Henderson, who had conduct of the claim, commented:-
“I am pleased that we have reached a reasonable settlement in this case. The Claimant will now be able to fund private treatment for her PTSD which we hope will help alleviate her symptoms. It has been a pleasure working with her and I wish her all the very best for the future.”