Successful Claim for Gentamicin Poisoning
Elizabeth had not expected that treatment for an on-going lung problem would leave her disabled due to a severe balance disorder.
Elizabeth had suffered with on-going breathing difficulties for some years and had been diagnosed as having bronchiectasis and COPD, a progressive lung disease.
Sputum tests showed the presence of pseudomonas bacteria which can be associated with serious infections and possible early mortality. Two further sets of tests over the next six months did not show the presence of this bacteria but, nonetheless, it was decided that Elizabeth should participate in the Pseudomonas Eradication Progamme and she was admitted to hospital for two weeks of intravenous antibiotics.
Over the following year Elizabeth underwent several further sputum tests, only one of which showed the presence of pseudomonas. However, it was decided that Elizabeth should receive a two week course of antibiotics at home. This time, the decision was made to include the Gentamicin antibiotic in the course of treatment. Gentamicin is a strong antibiotic which is known to be effective in the treatment of gram-negative infections such as Pseudomonas Aeruginosa but the fact that only one of Elizabeth's test had identified the pseudomonas bacteria meant that the use of Gentamicin was not justified at this time.
The use of Gentamicin is known to require careful consideration and close attention to dosage levels as it can cause kidney, visual, hearing and balance problems in some patients. Unfortunately, Elizabeth was not made aware of the risks of using this antibiotic, nor was she offered an alternative.
Less than three weeks after completing the course of drugs, Elizabeth had to return to hospital as she was experiencing increasing shortness of breath. Despite only recently having completed a course of antibiotics including Gentamicin, and still not meeting the criteria for the Pseudomonas Eradication Programme, Elizabeth was, once again, put on a two-week course of Gentamicin without proper consultation and warning of the risks.
A further two weeks later, Elizabeth was admitted to hospital thought to be suffering a heart attack and was given a one-off dose of Gentamicin which exceeded the dosage already calculated to be suitable for her weight.
Unfortunately, Elizabeth then began to experience problems with dizziness and severe loss of balance. She was soon diagnosed with bilateral vestibular failure thought to be the result of excessive Gentamicin treatment.
Elizabeth's life has been severely restricted by the effects of her hospital treatment. She has had to move to a single-storey home due to being unable to climb the stairs with impaired balance. In addition, she is no longer able to drive which has significantly reduced her ability to support and visit her family. She also requires personal help around the home due to the danger of falling.
Elizabeth approached Glynns who supported her in her claim for substandard care. She received over £170,000 in compensation.
(Details which might identify our client have been changed.)
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